James J. Braddock

Braddock and his family! (www.murphsplace.com/.../ braddock-family.jpg)

James J. Braddock…….. Have you ever heard of him? Well, let me ask you this: Have you ever seen or heard of the movie "Cinderella Man"? James J. Braddock is the main character of the movie. James has inspired me in multiple ways. From going from the rags to riches during the Great Depression, James has affected me.

James has affected my life by teaching me never to give up. He was a very poor man and the only way he could make money was by boxing. He went through many hardships on his way to becoming the boxing heavyweight championship of the world. He was a very thoughtful and caring person.

The Cinderella Man! (http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/images/braddock.jpg)

His nickname was the "Cinderella Man" because he was an underdog and became unstoppable. James had an extremely powerful right hand. He fought nearly 100 fights and won about half of them. He was inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

James was born in New York on June 7, 1905. As a kid he liked to do everything any ol' boy liked to do: he played baseball, and basketball. He also had many different jobs between 1919 and 1923. He worked as a messenger, a printer’s devil, a teamster, and an errand boy. His first 15 years were very busy. James became a professional boxer in 1926. His career was during the Great Depression. This meant that every night when he went home he barely had enough food to support his three kids, Jay, Howard, and Rosemarie, and his wife, Mae. James fought for some years and finally he had his chance to fight against the heavy weight champ, Max Baer. James studied Max’s fighting style for quite some time until he finally played him on June 13, 1933. After all of the grueling rounds, James was announced the winner. James kept his title for two more years until he lost it to Joe Lewis. One year later James played Tommy Farr and won. Then he announced his retirement. After his retirement James decided to join the U.S. army. Then about 20 years later, James J. Braddock died, in 1975.

A poster with James J. Braddock (www.stylegala.com/store/ ItemId/0618551174/image)

James J. Braddock has affected my life, and after reading this essay I hope he has affected yours too! James J. Braddock may have been one of the best boxers of all time.