James Walter Braddock 

(June 7, 1905 – November 29, 1974) was an American[2][3] boxer who was the

world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.[4]
Fighting under the name James J. Braddock (ostensibly to follow the pattern set by two prior world
boxing champions, James J. Corbett and James J. Jeffries), Braddock was known for his spoiling,
counterpunching style, powerful right hand and his iron chin. He had lost several bouts due to chronic
hand injuries and was forced to work on the docks and collect social assistance to feed his family
during the Great Depression. He made a comeback, and in 1935 he fought Max Baer for the
heavyweight title and won. For this unlikely feat he was given the nickname "Cinderella Man" by Damon
Runyon. Braddock was managed by Joe Gould.
Braddock was born on June 7, 1905[5] on West 48th Street in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.
He moved to North Bergen, New Jersey at an early age. He was one of seven children[6] being raised by
immigrant parents; Irish mother Elizabeth O'Tool and Anglo-Irish father Joseph Braddock.[7] He stated
his life's early ambition was to play college football for Knute Rockne at the University of Notre Dame,
though this did not come to pass, as he remarked that he had "more brawn than brains."[8][9]