BOXER JAMES BRADDOCK
- James Braddock was a boxer that slowly worked his way up to the big leagues. On July 18th, 1929 Braddock lost by a wide margin to his opponent Max Baer causing significant damage to his career. Less than two months after the fight the stock market crashed and he lost everything else. With no other work available he began to struggle to win fights and eventually broke his wrist in a match, resulting in the end of his career and him accepting government help to support his family. Braddocks luck changed when he was given the chance to fight again against a man named John "Corn" Griffin as the opening fight for that heavyweight championship between Max Baer and Primo Carnera. Braddock beat Griffin in their match and the publicity allowed for many new opportunities to arise. James Braddock began to win more and more against well known boxers. On the evening of June 13th 1935 at Madison Square Garden in Long Island City NY, Braddock fought Baer once again. In an amazing feat of courage and determination, Braddock won and became the new heavyweight champion of the world. Braddock represents the hope in America during the time of the Great Depression. America, much like Braddock, had been was beaten down to the point of defeat, but when the New Deal came into play, America was given an opportunity to rise from its defeat.