James J. Braddock

James Walter Braddock (December 6, 1905 – November 29, 1974) earned the nickname “Cinderella Man” from his meteoric rise to fame when, against extreme odds, he won the heavyweight boxing championship of the world. He fought under the name of James J. Braddock and was known for his powerful right hand in his early and successful amateur career.

Braddock turned pro in 1926, and after several victories, in 1929 he lost to light-heavyweight champion Tommy Loughran in a 15-round title bout in New York. This loss began a downturn in his career, and coupled with the Great Depression Braddock struggled financially. Seemingly at the end of his boxing career, he lived on relief and worked in the shipyards to provide food and shelter for his young family. Braddock’s luck began to change in 1934 when he returned to the ring and scored unexpected wins. These victories earned him a chance at the heavyweight championship against Max Baer on June 13, 1935. With his odds at 10 to 1, Braddock shocked the world with his victory over Baer.

Braddock held the heavyweight title from 1935 to 1937, losing it to “The Brown Bomber" Joe Louis. Braddock won his final fight against Tommy Farr in 1938. He retired with a career total of 86 bouts with 51 wins (26 by knockouts). Braddock was inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1964, the Hudson County Hall of Fame in 1991, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.

On September 27, 2018, the 10-foot bronze statue of Braddock was unveiled at the James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, in North Bergen, New Jersey, near where the boxer once lived and trained. The unveiling was attended by Braddock’s family members including actress Rosemarie DeWitt (granddaughter) and husband actor Ron Livingston, Timothy Braddock (grandson), Tony Braddock (nephew), along with celebrated boxers Gerry Cooney, Pat Murphy, Randy Neumann, and the legendary “Bayonne Bleeder” Chuck Wepner. Numerous local officials also offered tributes. The event was emceed by Henry Hascup, President and Historian of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, who rang the bell nine times as the statue was unveiled.

Monumental Sculpture / Public Art
Size: 10-feet high
Weight: 1,500 lbs.
Media: Bronze
Dedication: September 27, 2018
Location: James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, North Bergen, New Jersey