James Braddock vs. John Henry Lewis ~ "The Worst Decision Ever At MSG'

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ November 16, 1934

Madison Square Garden ~ New York City, New York

'Main Event' ~ World Light-Heavyweight Championship ~ Champion *Maxie Rosenbloom vs. Challenger *Bob Olin
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'Main Undercard' ~ James Braddock vs. John Henry Lewis

Boxer ..........James Braddock ...................... John Henry Lewis
Age ............ 29 years, 5 months ................. 20 years, 6 months
Height ........ 6' 2 1/2" ................................. 5' 11"
Reach ........ 76" ......................................... 75 1/2"
Weight ...... 187 lbs. ................................... 176 lbs.
Record ....... 42-23-4 {26 KO's} ................... 34-2-3 {23 KO's}
Rank .......... #14 Light-Heavyweight ........... #2 Light-Heavyweight
Stance ....... Orthodox ................................ Orthodox
Style .......... Puncher/Counter-Puncher ........ Fast-Handed Boxer/Puncher

~ The Skinny ~

James Braddock >

This would only be James Braddock's '2nd-Bout' within 14-Months {since September 1933}.

James has been 'idle' for 5-Months, since 'upsetting' {TKO 3} John 'Corn' Griffin on June 14th.

Braddock has put on {+7 lbs.} of muscle over the past 5-Months. And in sparring, Braddock
has looked stronger than ever, and his toughness is still there. But, his foot-speed is down to 'nil'.

John Henry Lewis >

John Henry Lewis, the #2 World-rated Light-Heavyweight is making his New York debut.

John Henry is a 'super-talented' boxer/puncher with fast-hands and good footwork. A win here,
and the {20 1/2 year-old} John Henry has been promised the next Challenge for the World
Light-Heavyweight Championship.

The Phoenix-boxer has been a Professional since October 1930 {Age; 16 years, 6 months}. In
'39-Bouts', John Henry has 'never' been floored. And, both of his '2-Losses' were 'highly' controversial,
as one was by 'Disqualification' in only his 2nd-Bout, and the other was to World Champion - Maxie Rosenbloom
in a 'non-title' bout, which went to a 'debated' 10-Round Decision on November 16, 1932.

But in subsequent rematches with Maxie Rosenbloom {July 10, 1933 and July 31, 1933}, John Henry returned
the favor by scoring 10-Round Decision wins.

Also, John Henry is no stranger to James Braddock, as an 18 year-old John Henry won a one-sided 10-Round
Decision over a 27 year-old James Braddock 2-Years earlier on September 21, 1932 in San Francisco.

John Henry has been very active in 1934, and has gone 6-0-2 with {5 KO's} since June, including having
'3-Bouts' in the past 6-Weeks.