James J. Braddock

James J. Braddock was an American boxer nicknamed 'Cinderella Man' who won the world heavyweight title in a major underdog upset in 1935.

On 13 June 1935, James J. Braddock entered the ring as a 10-to-1 underdog and left it as world heavyweight champion, defeating Max Baer by unanimous decision in one of the most improbable title victories in boxing history — a result so remarkable that sportswriter Damon Runyon immediately dubbed him the 'Cinderella Man.' He built an initially promising career, but a 1929 title-fight loss to Tommy Loughran, combined with the Great Depression, sent his career and finances into a severe decline. Braddock broke his hand in the Loughran fight, an injury that never properly healed, and was reduced to working as a longshoreman while relying on government relief payments to support his wife and three children, an experience he found deeply humiliating. His comeback began in 1934 with a series of unexpected victories that earned him a title shot against reigning champion Max Baer. On 13 June 1935, as a 10-to-1 underdog, Braddock defeated Baer by unanimous decision to win the world heavyweight championship, a result so improbable that sportswriter Damon Runyon dubbed him the "Cinderella Man." He later repaid every cent of the relief money his family had received and donated to Catholic charities. Braddock lost his title to Joe Louis in 1937 and retired the following year, serving in the U.S. Army during the Second World War and later helping to construct the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York. He died on 29 November 1974, at age 69, remembered as one of boxing's most inspiring underdog stories, later dramatised in the 2005 film Cinderella Man.

Defensive boxer with strong left hook and exceptional heart

Symbol of hope and perseverance during economic hardship

• International Boxing Hall of Fame