James J. Braddock
| James Walter Braddock | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | James Walter Braddock |
| Nickname(s) |
Bulldog of Bergen Pride of the Irish Pride of New Jersey Cinderella Man |
| Rated at |
Middleweight Light heavyweight Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 2 1⁄2 in (1.89 m) |
| Reach | 75 in (191 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born |
June 7, 1905 New York City |
| Died | November 29, 1974 (aged 69) North Bergen, New Jersey |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 85 |
| Wins | 50 |
| Wins by KO | 25 |
| Losses | 26 |
| Draws | 7 |
| No contests | 2 |
James Walter "Cinderella Man" Braddock (June 7, 1905 – November 29, 1974) was an Americanboxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.
Fighting under the name James J. Braddock (ostensibly to follow the pattern set by two prior world boxing champions, James J. Corbett and James J. Jeffries), he was known for his powerful right hand, solid chin and comeback from a floundering career. He had lost several bouts due to chronic hand injuries and was forced to work on the docks and collect social assistance to feed his family during the Great Depression. In 1935 he fought Max Baer for the Heavyweight title and won. For this unlikely feat he was given the nickname "Cinderella Man" by Damon Runyon. Braddock was managed by Joe Gould.
Braddock was born in Hell's Kitchen in New York City on West 48th Street. He was the son of immigrant parents; Irish mother Elizabeth O'Tool and Anglo-Irish father Joseph Braddock. He stated his life's early ambition was to play football for Knute Rockne at the University of Notre Dame, but he had "more brawn than brains."
Braddock pursued boxing, turning pro at the age of 21, fighting as a light heavyweight. After three years, Braddock's record was 44–2–2 with 21 knockouts.
In 1928 he pulled off a major upset by knocking out highly regarded Tuffy Griffiths. The following year he earned a chance to fight for the title, but he narrowly lost to Tommy Loughran in a 15-round decision. Braddock was greatly depressed by the loss and badly fractured his right hand in several places in the process. His career suffered as a result, as did his disposition.
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