The Greatest Comeback of All Time Explained

James Braddock rose from poverty, injury, and a horrible losing streak to earn a shot at the heavyweight title. An inspiration to many during the Great Depression, the world waited in anticipation to see if Braddock could defeat the fearsome power puncher Max Baer.

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Aggressive Defense: www.modernmartialartist.com/dowloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/ Footwork Wins Fights: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/ Principles of Power: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/ Mortal Weapons the Fight Comic: www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

[@pyrotechnick420]

Awesome video as usual. But is it just me or was the volume of the audio too low?

[@siddharthghosh1406]

Man, I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now. Excellent work with the videos. But will someone PLEASE tell me what that music at the end is from? I've heard it in so many of your videos and in some others, but I've never found it.

[@patboyce6556]

Hu.

[@dishwragg6774]

*********Animosity*********

[@mgtowdadYouTubeSucksCoxks]

Do you take suggestions for videos?

[@gragrn]

Max Baer was a very funny man, he loved to make people laugh. After Joe Louis knocked him out he was asked what he did wrong and he said, " I forgot to duck." Even when he died he was cracking jokes. Max was in a hotel room when he had a heart attack, so he rang the reception to ask for a doctor. The clerk said, do you want a house doctor? Max replied; " No, I want a people doctor, " and then he died.

[@crisalcantara7671]

😃😃😃 what this man was a legend

[@jimnoexist]

Hilarious

[@jimmaculate3802]

Ronald Reagan used the same line, "I forgot to duck", after he had been shot.

[@justthink5854]

@@jimmythe-gent it was a complete bore as a fight. Baer should never have been in the fight "game". he grew up in a loving family. Braddock's was beating each other as the typ Irish. or the mean streets of Detroit like Louis. once he killed Frankie Campell in the ring, Baer almost quit as he was called and almost prosecuted as a murderer. he started smoking soon after. he was blessed/cursed with huge power and with the gloves at the time, bad hands. he wanted to entertain, not hurt. his parents adopted a Mex/American child being abused and brought him into their household where he was loved as one of their own. the book, not the movie, is fantastic about the life and times of both men.

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

@@justthink5854 Baer basically killed Ernie Schaaf too. Baer had a lot of talent but he didn't take the fight game seriously. Drove his trainer Jack Dempsey nuts.

[@CraicDealer]

I'm so glad you mentioned Baer. Unfortunately most people only know him from the film, which portrays him as an uncaring psychopath. He was a decent man fighting another decent man

[@shanedelgado666]

Real boxing fans know perfectly how and who Max Baer really was. Hard to sell a movie when the "bad guy" is one of the best people in celebrity in those times.

[@devn-andre369]

🕊️✌🏽🙏🏽🤲🏽.... That's what happened with Hollywood tries to glamorize or demoralize a true human story... Lot of people don't know the gentle side of fighters...

[@marlom7882]

Basic ass Hollywood writing. They need a villain apparently

[@pandaman2234]

@@shanedelgado666 Hajime no Ippo is a boxing manga that has plenty of arcs where the antagonist is a good guy and that never stopped the serious from selling 96 million volumes. Sounds like the movie writer was just a hack.

[@buntingism]

Well said!

[@tommyrocket2604]

A little known fact about James Braddock is that after he won the world championship title he voluntarily wrote a check out to the Government for all the welfare he had received during his prior hard time years.

[@davemeads859]

Wow

[@Shlogger]

man. actual integrity. respect.

[@rmmm6725]

He also volunteered to serve in the military after. He was a real man

[@travisdonaldstanley6420]

Different era. Now we are taught to scam the government.

[@trkddy]

Should have donated it to a poor family

[@Dorelaxen]

Braddock was living proof that whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

[@crisalcantara7671]

That and he's superman's father 😂😂

[@EIREriddick13]

Not true!?

[@johnburke4931]

Except Polio

[@perfectsplit5515]

Hard times make strong men. Strong men make good times.

[@stevelowe2647]

Especially fighting Baer 😆 🤣 he'd literally killed in the ring.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Just keep in mind how powerful Max Bear is here, he'd previously ki lled someone in the ring, in his last match he knockout out 263lb (almost all muscle as well) 85 inch reach 6ft 5 and half Primo Carnera who had never been knocked out before, and Braddock came in weighing 194lbs.

[@jimmaculate3802]

Primo Carnera was one of the strongmen on stage doing the tug of war against Might Joe Young in the film of the same name.

[@foxmulder5438]

the people of the past did not have much stamina. Those were precarious times and they did not eat well. it was easy to kill someone

[@Alex-cw3rz]

​​@@foxmulder5438 boxers back then had a lot more stamina than today, cool down rounds didn't exist and they were going 15 rounds not 12. It was only easier to ki ll because healthcare is not as advanced as it is today and they fought in 6oz not the 10oz gloves of today and people fought a lot more often back then so where a lot more skilled. The food thing was an issue but that mainly effected lower weights, most deaths in boxing occur when there is a lack of water in the system, which really effects the lower weights you go. Edit : someone claimed fighters today actually fight more because of sparring, however they sparred back then and they sparred more, the reason why is because they didn't weight lift back then, all they did was hit bags, run and spar. The reason was because they didn't think it would help and the major reason it's implemented today is for the look and physique (think Joshua), so you can get to your desired weight and it sort of helps if you do certain movements, but you do that instead of bags, not because it's better. And saying the sport has evolved a lot is true, however the sport is 1,000s of years old in the last hundreds years there hasn't been much change, because there isn't much you can improve and the timescale isn't large enough. Also the idea Primo Canera who had to fight people who were just over 200lbs and some in cruiserweight in modern weight (due to the extra rounds it made sense to be lighter) who were dancing round the ring and you think Fury and Usyk would be what more evasive. Have you seen Ezzard Charles, Gene Turney, Joe Louis or Max Bear, they are punching at rates 3 times that of modern boxers and slipping and moving in round 10 like boxers nowadays move in round 1.

[@robertocastellanos9140]

god i love it when we can nerd out about fighting! thanks for sharing, dude

[@tonacion]

@@Alex-cw3rz This is revisionist history. Although going for 15 rounds requires more stamina, fighters were not 'a lot' more skilled in the 1930's. The sport has evolved a lot. Primo Carnera would never land a single punch on Usyk or Fury. Old boxers fought too much, and that's why the average today boxer has less activity, but they also spar a lot and being generally more careful so they can do it more often without injuries and wear and tear.

[@3SmoothYoda3]

As someone who knows little about boxing, especially boxing history, the way you narrate the fight as you breakdown each fighter is incredibly gripping. I wasn't sure who was going to win. You are great at making me care for the sport, skills, and each fighter

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Well even back then Max Bear was the real favourite here, he'd previously ki lled someone in the ring, in his last match he knockout out 263lb (almost all muscle as well) 85 inch reach 6ft 5 and half Primo Carnera who had never been knocked out before, and Braddock came in weighing 194lbs. So what a fight it was

[@Alex-cw3rz]

2:32 This is exactly what Wilder did when he challenged Fury and it back fired for Wilder as well.

[@haydengoodall6767]

Funny that, I was about to comment on the similarity of method for Joe Parker doing a ' Braddock ' upon Deontay Wilder. 🥊

[@Anonie324]

At 9:21 Baer nonverbally grins and acknowledges that he got the losing side of that exchange there. "Yeah, you got me with that one.". I love it.

[@ShiftingDrifter]

Great breakdown of Braddock's textbook technique. There was also the psychological aspects - like knowing that Baer liked trying to "bait" his opponents by dropping his hands and opening up his body, but then with his uncanny speed - quickly snap back into killer posture and engage that right upper body. It seems to me Braddock played on that in the early rounds - goading at Baer's impatience for some action until Baer would dive in just to initiate an exchange of any kind. Braddock looks like maybe he was toying - coaxing Baer to swing at air and forget himself, slowly give away his ring dominance as the rounds passed. Braddock played on Baer's impatience and it paid off. Definitely an interesting match and study in boxing styles.

[@ghostwriter4567]

Came for the boxing history. Stayed for the life lessons.

[@motobenbh4722]

Againnn....

[@tobinsarttrading1733]

Baer came to be was one of Braddocks best friends after their fighting days. Baer who made as much money from movies and advertising as boxing actually invested money in Braddocks ventures... calling Braddock the most honest man he had ever met!

[@PhillipCalvin627]

James J. Braddock was a hero to so many at the time, and an inspiration to me back in the recession when I lost everything and was short on food. I did love Cinderella Man, but you hit the nail on the head highlighting Max Baer's quality as a man and as a champion. I really hated that portrayal, and I heard his family was really upset about it as well. People these days don't know fighters from bygone eras, and that kind of thing is just a low blow and unnecessary to an already inspirational movie about a great man. Fantastic analysis and history lesson as usual, buddy.

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Glad you made it through man! I've been there too, it's not fun haha. Having someone to inspire you can definitely help.

[@YossGold]

You hit the nail on the head. Dumping completely on the man and who he actually was as a human being and competitor just so they can have their "hollywood villain" was definitely a low blow.

[@amandahallman1091]

It’s for dramatic purposes, but I noticed two instances in this footage where Baer was taunting Braddock & it was portrayed exactly like that in the movie. Baer smiles & nods after getting hit & the ref breaks them up; and later Baer comes at him with a fake jump scare type move, like a bully would do, in my humble opinion 🫠

[@PhillipCalvin627]

@@amandahallman1091 oh he definitely taunted people in the ring. He was big on smiling at them and egging them on to get them either intimidated or to make a mistake.

[@amandahallman1091]

It intimidated me as a viewer, lol. Makes me think of all the smack some fighters talk these days in press conferences, for example, Conor McGregor. He’s full of animosity before the fight but once it’s over he’s all compliments lol

[@GentleGiantAudio]

Never give up. It's never over!

[@Oscar_SanJuan]

I really appreciate how you dedicated a part of this video (after 13:38) to the lessons Braddock learned in his first title shot and how he applied them over the next few years until Braddock got his 2nd chance. What you do so beautifully is convey the fighter's struggle throughout their career and how they worked like hell to overcome the challenges they faced. It legitimately made me tear up a bit to hear you describe Braddock's struggles of injury, poverty, and a losing streak only for him to apply his wisdom to finally achieve his dream and become an example to many others during one of the most difficult times in human history. This is why your George Foreman v. Ron Lyle breakdown is one of my all time favorites now. I really appreciate you and your very unique, excellent fight analysis. Can't wait for your next breakdown. 🔥🥊

[@megsmith596]

Another good one keep it up. On a side note Max Baer JR. had every right to complain about how his was portrayed in the movie Cinderella man as a son it would have been a shame if he hadn't.

[@errcoche]

Braddock was one of those undersized heavyweights. Baer was a beast in comparison. It is amazing what simple strategies can achieve when well executed.

[@justthink5854]

actually he kept growing and was 6'2" at the time of the fight. it was a complete bore as a fight. Baer should never have been in the fight "game". he grew up in a loving family. Braddock's was beating each other as the typ Irish. or the mean streets of Detroit like Louis. once he killed Frankie Campell in the ring, Baer almost quit as he was called and almost prosecuted as a murderer. he started smoking soon after. he was blessed/cursed with huge power and with the gloves at the time, bad hands. he wanted to entertain, not hurt. his parents adopted a Mex/American child being abused and brought him into their household when he was loved as one of their own. the book, not the movie is fantastic about the life and times of both men.

[@cahg3871]

It’s not the size of the man,it’s the size of the heart in the man.

[@Michael-pf8we]

If size doesn’t matter why are there weight classes?

[@MathewBall]

Max Bear is in most people's top ten Heavyweights of all time. Boxing historians always say that Bear wasn't at his best in the Braddock fight and that he was never the same after he killed someone in the ring before he fought Braddock.

[@paysonfox88]

He didn't just kill one guy. 2 men he fought later succumbed to their injuries. I can understand being able to pass off one kill as a fluke and moving on psychologically. but 2 is too much to expect anyone to be fine with. Max was a brave man to continue fighting at all after his 2nd unintended victim died.

[@dondajulah4168]

Kind of reminds me a bit of George Foreman

[@eol6632]

Those deaths affected him, he lost Alot of weight after and hit the bottle hard. He never got that killer instinct back. He could Finnish just not the same though. Burt sugar had Alot of good stories about him

[@dondajulah4168]

@@eol6632 yeah, you can see the lethargy in the fight clips. I guess you have to give credit to Braddock, but Baer gives the impression of someone that is a shell of his former self, imo.

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Love Baer but no one has him in a top ten.

[@michaelh.117]

When I was around 10 or 11, I bought this fat paperback book with chapters on notable champs. My favorite chapter was the one on Jimmy Braddock. I read it over and over. It wasn't written like history or biography; it was more artful. The Braddock story is framed like a dream: He's waking to the alarm clock, getting up to go to work on the docks, moves on to his inspiring comeback and upset of Baer, then he's asleep again, gradually waking to what sounds like the buzzing of an alarm clock, but it's crowd noise, and he's just been counted out against Joe Louis.

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

I had that book too. I really liked the part about Braddock too.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Interesting is Max Bear's brother Buddy Bear was also a boxer not as good as max but still a really good boxer. He'd be considered a giant now let alone then, 6ft 6 3/4 (not billed his actual height unlike the 1 to 2inch added on boxers normally) 84 inch reach and weighing in at 250lbs for 15 round fight with Joe Louis. Although because it's Joe Louis in the second fight it didn't leave round 1 Joe Louis knocked him out a really good study of how to defeat much taller opponents, he used his reach against him by pressuring on the inside and rested the top of his head on Buddy's chest so he couldn't be clinched while he pummeled him to the body and up to the head, while Buddy's huge reach meant he could barely respond and not at full force as he couldn't fully extend.

[@che71che]

It was Yogi Bear and he was smarter than the average Bear Bo Bo ;)

[@serenityinside1]

😆👍👍

[@ajourneysaved4311]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p56Xg6iwiMaEotk Yes

[@gizzy2403]

@@che71che 😅🍻

[@justthink5854]

the second Louis fight was after Buddy was in a car wreck and messed up his neck. it was a complete bore as a fight. Baer should never have been in the fight "game". he grew up in a loving family. Braddock's was beating each other as the typ Irish. or the mean streets of Detroit like Louis. once he killed Frankie Campell in the ring, Baer almost quit as he was called and almost prosecuted as a murderer. he started smoking soon after. he was blessed/cursed with huge power and with the gloves at the time, bad hands. he wanted to entertain, not hurt. his parents adopted a Mex/American child being abused and brought him into their household when he was loved as one of their own. the book, not the movie is fantastic about the life and times of both men.

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

*Imagine how many fighters and athletes from the past had injuries, which we could deal with easily, ruin and or end their careers.

[@mypenisisunbelievablysmall2937]

I had a stroke reading this

[@gordonpeden6234]

Great breakdown in the Braddock- Baer fight. Very tactical, deep, well thought out, and patient. Thank you.

[@robbieweirddick9158]

I just want to let you know brother I found out about your videos like four years ago and I've been watching ever since and I just want to let you know I love them so much they make my day when I listen to them you gave hope courage strength and it's real and we can feel it thank you

[@greg8598]

Incredible. Your analysis of Braddock's multitude of brilliant tactics to counter Baer is fascinating. Even more remarkable than devising so many strategies, was Braddock's ability to carry them out consistently and to perfection. Great story. Great fight. Great ending.

[@Shlogger]

as someone who doesn't know a whole lot about the intricacies of fighting it's great listening to you break it down so thoroughly. It's interesting learning about all the different styles and techniques people developed over the years. As brutal as it is there really is an art to it all.

[@moss8448]

as a kid in the `50's remember hearing adults talk about Baer and the thinking was he didn't take it serious enough and train hard. well done post 👍

[@keithdubose2150]

Great video and appreciate your invites into both fighters.... this is what I subscribed for .. and you're delivering!

[@sly_tendencies87]

You're a godsend David. Thank you for these uploads. By far my favorite youtube channel.

[@danieldelewis2448]

I really appreciate you and what you said at the end. God bless you for that

[@SamuelZamora]

Nice story telling. Always love to watch old footage. There is something kind of enchanting about it

[@sabredog1955]

Other than aminosity, this short doc is one of this best I've ever watched. I was on the edge of my seat at times and now I'm hoping to find more from this channel

[@duende29]

9:20 that nod saying "you got me there"

[@surfshack2]

Yes Braddock never gave up and applied what he learned. A very admirable and humble man he must've been and also very much confident in himself....especially after what he'd been through during the depression.

[@jimmysblacksmithing462]

Hey, good day again. Probably could go on for half an hour expressing gratitude for your storytelling historical value with all the inspiration and also expressing what wonderful beautiful people these were, despite the brutality of boxing. So inspiring in so many humanistic ways. Thanks again look forward to more of your videos as usual. You are the man!👍😊

[@fredm5245]

Great coverage. Thank you.

[@andrewanastasovski1609]

I was just telling my mom about how they used to write stories about boxing matches for people to read afterwards, and now thanks to technology we can watch any of the greatest fights we want to. This was a great video telling a great story. It reminded me of those stories about old boxing matches I used to read.

[@mikiszezas5983]

Outstanding work!A video that explains the history as it is!

[@alexw.8999]

Love the context you add to these complicated stories👊👊

[@carolinezipp4383]

Very inspirational fight coupled with a very inspirational commentary! Thank you. I love watching good fights but at times I didn't know exactly what I was seeing. I have learned a lot from your channel. You have explained what each of the boxers is doing. I see boxing in a new light. I like going back to previous fights and watching it all over again. Thanx for the education.

[@BruceMusto]

Great story of two classy champions and an excellent analysis of the fight and Braddock's strategy.

[@storres9198]

Loved the practical lessons received !

[@g.panitikan1929]

you are the best at making fight breakdowns, and your narration of boxing stories is incredible, your videos are like short movies

[@d.cypher2920]

wow, i genuinely want to express that this channel is easily one of the very best at this genre of content. great storytelling, with excellent facts about the art. thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. ☀️😎🇺🇸☀️

[@rockymolina8912]

Thank you for this.

[@geovannyinfante2558]

Not only James B you as well are an inspiration to others 💪🏼💪🏼🙏🙏you are champ to in your purpose in life

[@wugy07]

What great storytelling. Well done!!

[@michalsaridshwartz2015]

I'm glad your back making videos david.

[@murphy13295]

James Braddock's home was on my Jersey Journal newspaper route . This was the same time Hudson County Park was renamed James J. Braddock Park .

[@johnpittsii7524]

Great video as always 👌

[@neoMashirito]

These videos r great Thx!

[@jr22catracho]

You are the Best of the Best Thank you for all these Great videos

[@Osinivos4]

A battle of warriors right there

[@frostysmoke37]

Great commentary great content! Thanks for doing this. Clips like this make KZbin worth watching

[@TheSwellrider]

I have said it before: I enjoy your calm, informed commentary and obvious passion for boxing. Thanks for your work. : )

[@DA-bp8lf]

Really enjoyed this! Thank you! 👍👏👏

[@christyler6234]

What an amazing video. You did such a great job of going into the history and explaining the strategy in the fight. Great work!

[@gfresh353]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing the real Cinderella Man story.

[@stopmayhem937]

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

[@Thrillr]

💪🏾🔥 needed this video mate

[@joeblack1652]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin. The fact you manage to keep putting out videos of this quality after years is amazing. Thanks for all the entertainment and information.

[@jimmysblacksmithing462]

Hey good day, awesome! Your knowledge of these people in the situation’s etc. is incredible and awesome! Thank you for sharing. Personally would’ve loved to be a boxer. Have a good endurance still at 66 1/2 years old. Even after a stroke. Heart and lungs were like brand new at 60. Thought maybe in another 20 years after I heal entirely physically, maybe I’d get in the ring :-). What a great inspiration thank you so much stay well and have a beautiful day. Jim.

[@renoops1120]

thanks for this detailed breakdown on the fight. I got a lotta insight on how Braddock's game plan.

[@OhBeNice]

Fantastic video as always 👏

[@buschovski1]

Hey David. I love this vid. One of your best. It popped up again and I didnt refrain from watching it again. Love both of these guys. Braddock was so smart in this fight. Anyway thank u man

[@d.b.1858]

Nice fresh true story from history. Thank You.

[@johngbradt]

Fascinating! Thank you 😎

[@charlesindig8101]

Everyone loves a good comeback story, this one is def the best one

[@SirSmizzi]

This was actually inspiring

[@jessebassett4635]

You understand the strategies very well! Thanks for sharing

[@U4Eye]

Excellent analysis David

[@josemucarselsacoto5122]

Superb Mr David, great story told by a great storyteller. Keep it up!

[@honeybadger306]

your doing great with your positive attitude and your showing real focus on this up coming fight im 58 im lucky got lot more in life than many i suffer mental health ive tryed to take my own life had not been for my mates i wouldn't be here but i can honestly say im glad they did im on lot of medication i have huge respect for decca bringing his mental health for all to see if helps just 1 person would be worth all you haters ask yourselves 1 thing do you think what you say do would possibly stop sumone from taking there life huge respect support Decca

[@ronandheather3079]

Wow! Your video is a masterpiece. Such talent bro. Thank you

[@71Fenderv22]

Great video... I loved the movie, but always wondered more about the two fighters. Thank you.

[@greenseed666]

superb montage with great commentary :) was awesome :)

[@amberlinmchugh8115]

I'm not a boxing expert and get caught up in watching the fight. You slowed it down and explained it very well. You should have a job at ESPN

[@JeSsE10mCcOy11]

Look how Max massacred Primo. He was a gentleman with a lionized attitude

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Exactly Primo was a 263lb 85 inch boxer who had never been knocked out before, and Max did it and then Braddock came in at 194lbs.

[@nyquil762]

Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@forgetyourselfbl]

I love your videos. Your narrative and discernment of Boxing is enthralling. It's also interesting that you loved Ippo as much as I did.

[@handsomejack93]

what a great story..thank you

[@alexwhite8889]

Two fighters who showed the very best of humanity. Would like to have seen Max Baer in with George Foreman. That would have been a real battle of the right hands!

[@tr7b410]

What a brilliant analysis of how to strategically -spot your opponents weakness & counter.

[@edyoung6573]

Your a great story teller!!! I didn't even know about this guy! What a nice story!! Gives you hope!!!

[@NoWayIsWay86]

Love this channel.

[@tylersdurdenisastupidname9727]

No one may know, but this is class.

[@chadghost8204]

Fantastic video!

[@tevrien5844]

9:20 I like the gesture of acknowledgment Max gives

[@Dad_Lyon]

The simpler times, when costumes didn't fatigue fighters before the fight starts.

[@edhiken7047]

Thank you great story

[@MrRegD]

Excellent points.

[@rocky3268]

Really Enjoyed the Cinderella man But What I've Learnt is Max Baer Was a Very Generous and friendly person 💯 His Son played Jethro on the Original Beverly Hillbillies 👍🏻🙏🏻✌🏻

[@hoseahosanna6700]

This is great. All your vhf videos are awesome but I really like this one

[@RideTheGamer]

*been waiting on this one*

[@peterpipeher260]

good stuff. thank you!

[@jimcogan8542]

Well done, another informative and inspirational boxing tale, superb.

[@pedestrianrights1257]

What an intelligent analysis, thanks.

[@justjoe942]

Fantastic presentation; thanks for posting. I'm riveted.

[@brendancronin3796]

Great video ...great breakdown

[@wilson2455]

watching the B/W footage, actor Russell Crowe did an excellent job of recreating Braddock's mannerisms, boxing style, etc.

[@amandahallman1091]

Yes! and when I saw Max Baer taunting James Braddock in the ring it looked exactly like the movie, body language, smiles & all

[@anthonybryant3038]

I've never really cared about boxing at all. But, man, I can sit and watch your videos for hours. Thank you!