From Poverty to Respectability: How Boxer James J. Braddock’s Internal Wealth transformed Depression Era Boxing
Referred to as “The Cinderella Man” by newspapers, James J. Braddock was a washed-up boxer with a “fairytale” return to the spotlight who become the world heavyweight champion in 1935. Impacted by the Depression, he experienced defeat and humility, and had to face the economic and social reality of his situation. Braddock’s commitment to make his children healthy, fed, and happy drove him to return to boxing, despite previous failures. Seeing Braddock face and triumph over not just his opponents, but his own economic, mental, physical, social, and spiritual challenges re-ignited hope for American citizens facing their own poverty.
HIST499- History Capstone
Dr. Melisa Berry
Bushnell History Symposium (L203 2:30pm – 4:30pm)