Braddock, James J. (1905-1974), an American boxer, defeated Max Baer in 1935 to become the world heavyweight champion. His victory, a 15-round decision, ranks as one of the biggest upsets in sports history and earned him the nickname “The Cinderella Man.” Braddock was a 10-1 underdog and thought to have little or no chance to defeat Baer. Braddock lost the title to Joe Louis in 1937 in his first defense on an eighth-round knockout. Braddock had knocked Louis down in the first round, only the second boxer to do so. In 1938, after one more fight, Braddock retired with a record of 51 wins in 86 total bouts.
Braddock was born in New York City on June 7, 1905. He fought his first amateur fight at the age of 17 and turned professional at 20. He was undefeated his first 2 1/2 years as a professional, often beating heavier opponents. His career began to decline after he lost a light heavyweight title bout to Tommy Loughran in 1929. Braddock gave up boxing in 1933 to work on a shipping dock. In 1934, he returned to boxing, defeating Corn Griffin, a contender for the heavyweight title. Two fights later, Braddock defeated Baer to become the 15th modern heavyweight champion. He died Nov. 29, 1974.
