James Braddock vs. Joe Louis ~ June 22, 1937 ~ 'The Skinny'

[Bill Paxtom]

~ More Skinny ~

Part I

On February 4, 1937

Joe Gould {Manager for James Braddock} nearly signed a deal for his fighter
to defend against Max Schmeling on June 3, 1937 at Madison Square Garden.

But the concern was, that the early Gate Receipt 'estimates' were only around
$250,000.

Also, the Joe Louis Camp was worried that 'if' Max Schmeling won, he would
take the World Championship back to Germany, and hold it in 'protective custody'
for 2-Years {until 1939}.

There was also concern, that the World Championship would be used as 'a vehicle'
for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Propaganda Machine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part II

The Joe Louis Camp was willing to 'play-ball' to get 'The Brown Bomber' a Title
chance first, and before Max Schmeling could steal it away from James Braddock
and bring it back to Germany.

On February 19, 1937 >

Chicago Fight Promoter - Joe Folley put together an incredible deal for the World
Champion - James Braddock.

First > The bout would be held at Comiskey Park in Chicago on June 22, 1937.

Second > The estimated Gate Receipts would be close to $1,000,000.

Third > James Braddock was to receive {67 1/2 %} of the Gate Receipts, and
with a 'minimum guarantee' of $500,000.

Fourth > James Braddock would receive 50% of the Motion Picture rights, and
Broadcasting rights.

Fifth > James Braddock would receive 10% of Joe Louis' future purses for the
next 10-Years. {Capped at $15,000 per Year}.

[Bill Paxtom]

James Braddock

'1937' Sparring Partners
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Jack McCarthy ~ {Age; 27} ~ 6' 4" ~ 202 lbs. ~ {Roxbury, Massachusetts}
* Record > 16-14-2 {8 KO's}

Jack was a long-time friend of James Braddock. McCarthy was a durable-type who
was a good gym sparring partner. Labeled as a 'real tough-guy'.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Max 'Maxie' Roesch ~ {Age; 23} ~ 6' 4" ~ 195 lbs. ~ {Dallas, Texas}
* Record > 9-3-1 {6 KO's}

'Maxie' was a speed-boxer, who had good footwork and decent power. He was brought
in to 'primarily' help with Braddock's speed and timing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Charlie Massera~ {Age; 27} ~ 6' 2" ~ 190 lbs. ~ {Upper Darby, Pennsylvania}
* Record > 35-17-5 {11 KO's}

Charlie was brought in to pretty much be a 'punching bag', to give James Braddock
'Rounds-in-the-Ring' to work off the rust.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Henry Cooper ~ {Age; 20} ~ 6' 1' ~ 185 lbs. ~ {Brooklyn, New York}
* Record > 15-6-1 {4 KO's}

Henry was brought in because he had a good looping right-hand, much like the
Challenger - Joe Louis. Henry was a young kid, who was a decent boxer with good
hand-speed. Though, he had little power.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Bill Irby ~ {Age; 21} ~ 6' 0" ~ 180 lbs. ~ {Brooklyn, New York}
* Record > 0-7-1 {0 KO's}

Bill Irby was brought in to be nothing more than a body, to give James Braddock rounds.

[Bill Paxtom]

Joe Louis

1937 Sparring Partners
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Roy Lazer ~ {Age; 25} ~ 6' 1" ~ 190 lbs. ~ {Paterson, New Jersey}
* Record > 45-7-3 {19 KO's}

Strictly a boxer/mover, and also a good counter-puncher. Brought in to help with
Joe's footwork.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George Williams ~ {Age; 22} ~ 6' 5" ~ 220 lbs. ~ {Chicago, Illinois}
* Record > 5-0-0 {3 KO's}

Called 'The Giant Negro'. A big, young and strapping prospect. Strictly used as a mauler,
to help Joe with stamina and endurance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tiger Hairston ~ {Age; 24} ~ 6' 1" ~ 180 lbs. ~ {Wheeling, West Virginia}
Record > 22-4-2 {12 KO's}

A good boxer/puncher, who had quick hands and slick footwork. He was used to help
Joe in 'Cutting-off-the-Ring', and setting traps.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Salvatore Ruggirello ~ {Age; 31} ~ 6' 1" ~ 200 lbs. ~ {Tunis, Tunisia}
Record > 29-52-0 {23 KO's}

Called, the Italian 'Bocce Ball'. A durable punching-bag. Used to give Joe 'Rounds in the Ring'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George Higgs ~ {Age; 22} ~ 6' 2 1/2"" ~ 170 lbs. ~ {Florida, by way of New York City}
Record > 3-5-1 {2 KO's}

Nothing more than a body, to help with Joe's timing and left-jab. Was tall enough to present
someone like Braddock's height.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George 'Nickels' Nicholson ~ {Age; 24} ~ 6' 1" ~ 192 lbs. ~ {Yonkers, New York}
Record > 6-4-0 {5 KO's}

Another young 'body' to take punishment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leonard 'Tree' Dixon ~ {Age; 29} ~ 6' 7" ~ 215 lbs. ~ {Philadelphia, Pennsylvania}
Record > 14-14-1 {8 KO's}

A tall fighter, who had long arms. Another fighter to imitate the tall stance of James Braddock,
to help Joe Louis with his left-jab.

[Bill Paxtom]

~ More Skinny ~

Part I

On February 4, 1937

Joe Gould {Manager for James Braddock} nearly signed a deal for his fighter
to defend against Max Schmeling on June 3, 1937 at Madison Square Garden.

But the concern was, that the early Gate Receipt 'estimates' were only around
$250,000.

Also, the Joe Louis Camp was worried that 'if' Max Schmeling won, he would
take the World Championship back to Germany, and hold it in 'protective custody'
for 2-Years {until 1939}.

There was also concern, that the World Championship would be used as 'a vehicle'
for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Propaganda Machine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part II

The Joe Louis Camp was willing to 'play-ball' to get 'The Brown Bomber' a Title
chance first, and before Max Schmeling could steal it away from James Braddock
and bring it back to Germany.

On February 19, 1937 >

Chicago Fight Promoter - Joe Folley put together an incredible deal for the World
Champion - James Braddock.

First > The bout would be held at Comiskey Park in Chicago on June 22, 1937.

Second > The estimated Gate Receipts would be close to $1,000,000.

Third > James Braddock was to receive {67 1/2 %} of the Gate Receipts, and
with a 'minimum guarantee' of $500,000.

Fourth > James Braddock would receive 50% of the Motion Picture rights, and
Broadcasting rights.

Fifth > James Braddock would receive 10% of Joe Louis' future purses for the
next 10-Years. {Capped at $15,000 per Year}.

~ The Contract ~

[walrus]

~ More Skinny ~

Part I

On February 4, 1937

Joe Gould {Manager for James Braddock} nearly signed a deal for his fighter
to defend against Max Schmeling on June 3, 1937 at Madison Square Garden.

But the concern was, that the early Gate Receipt 'estimates' were only around
$250,000.

Also, the Joe Louis Camp was worried that 'if' Max Schmeling won, he would
take the World Championship back to Germany, and hold it in 'protective custody'
for 2-Years {until 1939}.

There was also concern, that the World Championship would be used as 'a vehicle'
for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Propaganda Machine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part II

The Joe Louis Camp was willing to 'play-ball' to get 'The Brown Bomber' a Title
chance first, and before Max Schmeling could steal it away from James Braddock
and bring it back to Germany.

On February 19, 1937 >

Chicago Fight Promoter - Joe Folley put together an incredible deal for the World
Champion - James Braddock.

First > The bout would be held at Comiskey Park in Chicago on June 22, 1937.

Second > The estimated Gate Receipts would be close to $1,000,000.

Third > James Braddock was to receive {67 1/2 %} of the Gate Receipts, and
with a 'minimum guarantee' of $500,000.

Fourth > James Braddock would receive 50% of the Motion Picture rights, and
Broadcasting rights.

Fifth > James Braddock would receive 10% of Joe Louis' future purses for the
next 10-Years. {Capped at $15,000 per Year}.

~ The Contract ~

sounds like Joe was taken advantage of in many ways. I like Braddock but reaching into another man's purse to such an extent don't sound right to me.

[Mr140]

Well to be fair Louis was lucky to get the shot after getting his ass fucking kicked in by Max i mean come on now he was owned and got the shot. I say take advantage and there nothing unethical about it Louis lost so he had to make some sacrifices to get the hw belt and he did.

[Bill Paxtom]

Well to be fair Louis was lucky to get the shot after getting his ass fucking kicked in by Max i mean come on now he was owned and got the shot. I say take advantage and there nothing unethical about it Louis lost so he had to make some sacrifices to get the hw belt and he did.

This Is True

Madison Square Garden was in the middle of putting together a James Braddock vs. Max Schmeling
bout.

Then the Chicago Connection slipped in, and offered Joe Gould {Manager for James Braddock}
'a sweetheart deal' to by-pass the Title Fight with Max Schmeling.

It was all about .......'The Money'

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Gate Receipts ~

Attendance ............. 41,684

Gross Receipts ........ $715,420
Net Receipts ........... $593,380 {After State and Federal Taxes}

Fight Purses

James Braddock ...... $296,960 {After Taxes}
Joe Louis ................ $115,125 {After Taxes}

[Master]

Joe never paid his taxes.