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

[Bill Paxtom]

June 22, 1937

World Heavyweight Championship

Champion - James Braddock vs. Challenger - Joe Louis

~ The Skinny ~

James J. Braddock
Age ........... 32 years, 0 months
Height ....... 6' 2 1/2"
Reach ....... 75 1/2"
Weight....... 197 lbs.
Record....... 45-23-4 {26 KO's}
Stance ...... Orthodox
Style ......... Boxer/Counter-Puncher

* Braddock has gone unbeaten in his last '7-Bouts' {6-0-0} {with 1 'No Contest'} over the past 4-years.
* Braddock last 'lost' in June 1933.
* Braddock won the Championship on June 13, 1935.
* Braddock has not fought in 2-Years.

* As the World Champion, James Braddock opened up as a {3 1/2 to 1} {Betting-Underdog}.
* Heavy money was coming in on James Braddock late.
* By fight time, the odds had dropped to {2 to 1} with the Champion as the Underdog.

* Both former World Champions - Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney felt that Braddock
was both the 'smarter' and more refined boxer, and looked to be in better physical shape.

* Braddock had looked great in sparring sessions, and looked to be in 'tip-top' shape.