“The Pride of the Irish” — James J. Braddock (1935)

The story of James J. Braddock, boxing’s heavyweight champion in 1935, is told wonderfully in Ron Howard’s “The Cinderella Man.” Braddock came off of public assistance during the trying depression years to upset Max Baer. He entered the ring a 10 – 1 underdog, despite staging one of the best, if not the best, comebacks in boxing history. In previous years, he had lost several bouts. In order to support his family, he’d work on the docks and try to work two shifts a day. Like many families during that era, the Braddocks went on public assistance.

Famed sports writer Damon Runyon wrote about the Braddock vs. Baer fight, “The fistic fairy tale comes true. James J. Braddock of New Jersey, ‘The Cinderella Man’ of pugilism, is the new heavyweight champion of the world.” At a time when America was looking for inspiration, James Braddock was a beacon of hope. Braddock’s victory further enhanced the rich Irish tradition in boxing including previous champions like John L. Sullivan and Jack Dempsey.

Braddock lost the championship to Joe Louis and retired from boxing after a win over Tommy Farr. After hanging up his gloves, Braddock and his manager Joe Gould enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1942. where they became 1st Lieutenants.

After his inspirational boxing comeback, Braddock returned all of the welfare money he had received. He also made several donations to various Catholic Worker Houses and fed homeless guests with his family.

ENJOY THIS VIDEO OF THE OPENING TO THE BRADDOCK VS. BAER FIGHT

Check out the official site: http://www.jamesjbraddock.com/