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.

[Bill Paxtom]

Monday ~ June 14, 1937

Grand Beach, Michigan

~ The Braddock Camp Talks Strategy ~

Sparring Partner - Jack McCarthy
Trainer - Doc Robb
Manager - Joe Gould
World Champion - James Braddock {by the Fireplace}

http://www.jamesjbraddock.com/images/braddock.gif

James Braddock has '4' sparring partners to work with;
* Henry Cooper
* Max Roesch
* Charles Massera
* Jack McCarthy

The food is prepared by Chef - Egon Bauer, and the Server - Peter Muck.

In the month of June {13-Days}, the 'Braddock Camp' has consumed
'65 Steaks', to go along with massive quantities of Orange Juice.

The Champion is working on 'defense' {blocking the left-hook}, as well as
working on delivering a quick right-hand counter.

Jack Kearns >
"There is nothing new that I haven't seen before. The Champion is a fine
technician, but he just does not have the strength to deal with Joe Louis."

"I'm sticking with my earlier prediction, of 'Louis by a Knockout'. I'm thinking
somewhere in Rounds 6, 7 or 8."

"Braddock can still be hit with a long right-hand, and that should scare both
his Manager and Trainer."

[Beanflicker]

I saw Cinderella Man, Braddock had the bone density in his hands of a 90 year old woman.

Just another bum Joe Louis rolled over in his career of flattening bums. Joe Louis took out more bums than a street sweeper.

[Bill Paxtom]

I saw Cinderella Man, Braddock had the bone density in his hands of a 90 year old woman.

Just another bum Joe Louis rolled over in his career of flattening bums. Joe Louis took out more bums than a street sweeper.

"Ouch Mr. Bean"

James J. Braddock

By July 1929 >

James Braddock {Age; 24 years, 0 months} had posted a record of 30-3-3 with {21 KO's},
while moving into the #1 Challenger position for the World Light-Heavyweight
Championship.

After losing {L Dec 15} to Champion - Tommy Loughran on July 18, 1929 for the World
Light Heavyweight Championship >

James Braddock went into a 'tail-spin'.

From that point on, Braddock went a 'pathetic' 9-20-1 with only {4 KO's} in his next
'30-Bouts' over a 4-Year period.

By June 1933 >

James Braddock wasn't even called a 'Trial-Horse' anymore. The {Age; 28 year-old}
former Light-Heavyweight Title Challenger was now labeled as 'a taker and absorber',
and was pretty much written off as 'a bum' with a record of 39-23-4.

The only thing that Braddock had going for himself, was that he was 'durable' and only
had been floored 'twice' in '67-Bouts', and the only time he was stopped, was because
of a cut-eye.

[Beanflicker]

He was a tough guy who could take a punch. So was Joe Grim. Those guys are a dime a dozen!

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Predictions ~

Jack Dempsey >
"I have to go with Braddock. He has more boxing ability, and he has the
experience. He'll box, and let Louis punch away and wear himself down.
I can see Braddock coming on down the stretch to win a 'close' Decision."

Gene Tunney >
"I have changed my mind. Louis has too much punching-power. He's both
young and strong. I'm not sure that the Champion {James Braddock} can
hold him back. I'll take the Challenger by a Knockout, most likely by
Round 10."

Max Baer >
"Braddock is a tricky sort, and he's tough as nails. But that Louis, boy can
he punch. If he traps Jimmy, it will be all over. I like both fellows, so I will
not pick a winner."

The Odds >

Bounced back and forth, going from {5 to 2}, all the way up to {4 to 1}
before fight time.

[Bill Paxtom]

Predictions {Chicago tribune Sports Writers}

Harold Conrad >
"This Louis fellow. He's like a 'Tan Tarzan'. He's both muscular and flexible.
Now the Champion {James Braddock} is no softy, but he is going to get
knocked out. I have to go with what the consensus says, Joe Louis by
a Knockout. {KO in 8}."

Arch Ward >
"Joe Louis by Knockout. Within 6-Rounds. If it goes longer, I will eat my hat."

Frank Lane >
"James Braddock by a Knockout in 8. I'm not all that excited about this man they
call 'The Brown Bomber'. He's on the slow side, and he's too mechanical. The
Champion {James Braddock} will set him up, and catch him coming in with a
right-hand to the chops and stop him."

Wilfrid Smith >
"I know that Braddock is superbly conditioned. But this kid {Joe Louis} throws
punches like a 'Cannon' going off. He's just too powerful. The Challenger by a
Knockout in 6."

Red Garrett >
"If Joe Louis loses, then he must be the 'most overrated' fighter ever. The Champion
{James Braddock} is a quality fighter, but he really is 'untested' at Heavyweight. Oh,
he will give a good account of himself for as long-as-it-lasts. But the Challenger has
too much ammunition. I'm confident that Joe Louis will win by a stoppage. It will
go no longer than 9-Rounds. I can see Braddock's corner throwing in the towel."

[Master]

Braddock had a deal where he took a percentage of Joe's title defences, which was a good move if what unethical.

[Bill Paxtom]

Braddock had a deal where he took a percentage of Joe's title defences, which was a good move if what unethical.

That Is Correct,

World Champion - James Braddock and Manager - Joe Gould.

Joe Gould {Manager} inked a great deal for James Braddock.

[Master]

That deal is as good as a dive. Disgraceful.

[Bill Paxtom]

That deal is as good as a dive. Disgraceful.

~ The Skinny ~

James Braddock didn't hit the 'Lottery Wheel', but what he got from Joe Louis' future take.

* 10% of his Fight Purse per Year for 10-Years {1937 thru 1946}.
* But, no more than $15,000 per Year.

All in all, James Braddock got another $150,000 over 10-years.

But, Braddock had to give his Manager 30% off that.

Plus Braddock had to pay 'Taxes' on that 'pay out' as Income.

Joe Gould {Manager for James Baddock} 'snuffed' Julian Black {Manager for Joe Louis}
in what Sean Connery called it ......."That's the Chicago Way"

[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'.
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* 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.
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* 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.
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* 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.
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* 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
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* 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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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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.
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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.

[Beanflicker]

Braddock had a deal where he took a percentage of Joe's title defences, which was a good move if what unethical.

What the fuck? No wonder Joe Louis went bankrupt so quick. He possibly had the worst management in boxing history.