James Braddock vs. Art Lasky ~ '1935 Heavyweight Eliminator'

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ March 22, 1935

Madison Square Garden ~ New York City, New York

~ 15-Round Heavyweight Eliminator ~

James Braddock - 43-23-4 {26 KO's} ~ 6' 2 1/2" ~ Reach; 76" ~ 182 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 29 years, 9 months}
vs.
Art Lasky - 33-2-3 {29 KO's} ~ 6' 4' ~ Reach; 76" ~ 197 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 4 months}
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~ The Skinny ~

James Braddock has moved up to the #9 Heavyweight in the Ratings, following 'upset wins'
over Top 10 Light-Heavyweights > John 'Corn' Griffin, and John Henry Lewis.

But despite the wins, the 'Jersey-Boy' Braddock is a 'solid underdog' here at {3-1}.

Art Lasky is a 4 1/2 year Professional, who has very good boxing skiils. The 6' 4" tall fighter
has a 76" reach, and has a good 'spearing' left-hand.

From Minnesota, Lasky moved out to Hollywood, California in October 1933, and has been a West-Coast
campaigner.

Between June 1933 and October 1934, Lasky went 'unbeaten' with a record of 13-0-1 with {10 KO's},
including scoring a Decision win over King Levinsky.

But, in his last 2-bouts, Lasky was 'upset' by Steve Hamas by a 10-Round Split-Decision on
October 5, 1934 > and he was held to a 10-Round Draw by King Levinsky on November 23, 1934.

Still, despite those last 'two-blemishes', Lasky is a solid {3-1} Betting-Favorite and the next
expected Challenger for World Champion - Max Baer.

Though Lasky has {29 KO's} in his '33-Wins', he is not regarded as a big-puncher.

[Bill Paxtom]

~ The Original Date ~

This bout was 'originally' set for Saturday - February 2, 1935.

It was billed as > 'The Broad-Backed Irishman' vs. 'The Minneapolis Hebrew'

But Art Lasky came down with the 'Flu' and the bout was postponed.

Earlier in January 1935, there was a 'concerted effort' to sign up Max Baer to defend
his Title against Lasky, as he was clearly 'ready' for a 15-Rounder. A March 1935 date
was planned.

Other Top Heavyweights were;
* Max Schmeling
* Steve Hamas
* Primo Carnera {former Champion}.

[brocktonblockbust]

James J Braddock, from North Bergen, NJ, my hometown, I ran in James J Braddock Park many days and nights around the lake in the middle of the park.

[Bill Paxtom]

James J Braddock, from North Bergen, NJ, my hometown, I ran in James J Braddock Park many days and nights around the lake in the middle of the park.

Without a doubt,

One tough Son-of-a-Bitch. Got his strength working as a Longshoreman on the Docks in
New Jersey.