CINDERELLA MAN: THE GREATEST UNDERDOG STORY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast · Oct 25, 2025 · 1h 18m

His name was James J. Braddock. In 1929 he was the middleweight contender for boxing champion of the world. He had it all- a wonderful wife, 3 kids, a nice home, and money in the bank- because boxers were the highest paid athletes in those days. The depression hit, his bank failed- and all his money was gone. He lost his house, his boxing skills faded after breaking his right hand in a bout, and he soon found himself working part time at the docks to try to support his wife and kids who were living in a run- down apartment. He finally had to go on welfare. He had a manager named Joe Gould…