Jim Braddock
Jim Braddock, born James Walter Braddock, was an American heavyweight boxer best known for winning the world heavyweight title in 1935 after an upset victory over Max Baer.
Jim Braddock, born James Walter Braddock, was an American heavyweight boxer best known for winning the world heavyweight title in 1935 after an upset victory over Max Baer. Nicknamed the “Cinderella Man,” he became a Depression-era sports icon and later lost the title to Joe Louis before retiring in 1938.
Early life and amateur career
Braddock was born in New York City and developed as an amateur boxer in New Jersey. He turned professional in 1926 after a successful amateur career, starting out in the light heavyweight division.
Heavyweight championship
Braddock’s signature achievement came on June 13, 1935, when he defeated Max Baer to win the world heavyweight title. The victory was widely regarded as a major upset and earned him the nickname “Cinderella Man,” popularized by journalist Damon Runyon.
Later career and retirement
Braddock held the title until losing to Joe Louis in 1937. He retired from professional boxing after defeating Tommy Farr in January 1938.
Legacy
Braddock’s story became one of boxing’s best-known underdog narratives and remained culturally influential through biographies, halls of fame, and the 2005 film 'Cinderella Man'. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.
Key facts
- Braddock turned professional in 1926 after a successful amateur career.
- He won the world heavyweight championship on June 13, 1935, by defeating Max Baer as a heavy underdog.
- He lost the title to Joe Louis in 1937.
- Braddock retired from professional boxing after defeating Tommy Farr in 1938.
- He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.
Braddock has indirect relevance to Canadian readers through his place in North American boxing history and the enduring popularity of the film 'Cinderella Man'.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jim Braddock?
Why was he called the Cinderella Man?
When did Jim Braddock win the heavyweight title?
Who did Braddock lose the title to?
When did he retire?
Was Jim Braddock inducted into the Hall of Fame?
References
- JamesJBraddock.com — https://www.jamesjbraddock.com/theman/Supports: Biography, retirement after Tommy Farr, death, and hall of fame inductions
- New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame — https://www.njboxinghof.org/james-j-braddock/Supports: Professional debut, early career, and 1935 heavyweight title win over Max Baer
- International Boxing Hall of Fame — http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/oldtimer/braddock.htmlSupports: Birth and death dates, title win over Max Baer, loss to Joe Louis, retirement, and career record
- Boxing Undefeated — https://boxingundefeated.com/boxers/james-j-braddock/Supports: Birth name, stance, physical stats, and professional record summary
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/james-j-braddockSupports: Career overview, title win, loss to Joe Louis, retirement, and film legacy
- Irish America — https://www.irishamerica.com/2005/08/irish-jim/Supports: Nickname origin, family context, and post-boxing life