James “Cinderella Man” J. Braddock was born on the 7th June 1905, in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City USA, and was a professional boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937. He passed away in 1974.
Have you ever wondered how rich James J. Braddock was at the time of his death? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Braddock’s net worth was as high as $100,000, an amount earned largely through his successful boxing career, which started in 1926 and ended in 1938.
James J. Braddock Net Worth $100,000
James J. Braddock was one of seven children of Elizabeth O’Tool and Joseph Braddock, and from an early age, he developed an interest towards boxing. James turned pro at the age of 21, and by 1929, he had a record of 44–2–2, earning several light heavyweight champions titles.
Braddock became known for his iron jaw, powerful right hand and counterpunching style, but after a loss to Tommy Loughran and fracture of his right hand, his career took a step down. Following that injury, James recorded only 11 wins and 20 defeats and had a lot of financial problems, so he was forced to work as a longshoreman to provide for his family. However, Braddock made his comeback in 1934 against John “Corn” Griffin, and although he was a huge underdog, James won by a knockout in the third round. After that match, Braddock fought John Henry Lewis and then a heavyweight contender, Art Lasky, before he faced the World Heavyweight Champion, Max Baer. Baer and his team believed that Braddock would not present a threat to the champ, but in June 1935 at Madison Square Garden, he upset Baer to claim the Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Thanks to the victory over Baer, Braddock’s net worth significantly increased, and he held to the championship belt until June 1937 when Joe Louis knocked him out. James’ last professional fight was at MSG against the Briton Tommy Farr, and he won, but after which he decided to retire from boxing. James had 85 fights, recording 50 wins (25 by KO), 26 losses, seven draws, and two no contests.
In 2005, Ron Howard directed the “Cinderella Man”, the biopic about Braddock’s life and career with Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti in lead roles. The film received three Oscar Award nominations and grossed over $108 million worldwide.
Regarding his personal life, James J. Braddock was married to Mae Fox from 1930 until his death in 1974, and had three children with her. He died on the 29th November 1974 in North Bergen, New Jersey USA.
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