James J. Braddock

James Braddock

During the Great Depression, a time when America most needed a hero, Jimmy Braddock gave hope to millions who were just about to give up, because even though he was going through some pretty hard times, he kept fighting, and eventually overcame them. Jimmy started his boxing career impressively. In 1925 and 1926, he won the Light Heavyweight Amateur Crown of New Jersey, and became pro when he was twenty-one years old. He won his first fight easily. He then won eleven in a row by knockout. He didn't lose again until his 36th fight against Joe Monte.

The Great Depression hit America, and he started getting paid less for his fights. He broke his hand, and even though he was injured, still fought one more fight, because he needed the money. Braddock could hardly even lift his arms during the fight, and as a result, the fight was considered a no-contest, and he got decommissioned, which meant he couldn't box anymore. He had to start working at the docks, and got on a public assistance program to feed his family. Finally, he got a fight against John 'Corn' Griffin, but was considered the huge underdog. But he knocked Griffin out in the third round, and then won a few more fights, until he met his next opponent Max Baer, who had actually killed two men before in the ring. Even though the odds of him winning were ten to one, Braddock still managed to beat Baer.

This was considered the greatest upset in boxing history, and consequently the reporters dubbed Braddock 'The Cinderella Man,' because of his fairy-tale comeback. I think Jimmy Braddock is a hero because he didn't just fight for fame and glory. Jimmy Braddock was a boxer who fought for his family and his country. When asked what he was fighting for, he simply said, 'Milk.' He also paid back all the money he got from the public assistance program. By his example, people who just thought they couldn't do it, suddenly felt inspired when they heard about 'The Cinderella Man.'