James J. Braddock a comeback, and in 1935 he fought Max Baer for the heavyweight title and won. For this unlikely feat he was given the nickname "Cinderella Man" by Damon Runyon. Braddock was managed by Joe Gould. Braddock was born in Hell's Kitchen in New York City on West 48th Street. He moved to North Bergen, New Jersey at an early age. He was one of seven children being raised by immigrant parents; Irish mother Elizabeth O'Tool and Anglo-Irish father Joseph Braddock. He stated his life's early ambition was to play college football for Knute Rockne at the University of Notre Dame,
James Smith (boxer) Families Party in New York City. He now lives in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Deeply committed to helping impoverished fighters, Smith was a guest at the Ring 10 Veterans Boxing Foundation 2nd Annual Fundraiser in 2012 where he expressed his support of initiatives to better provide for those in need. Smith is currently working with organizers to establish the Legends of Boxing Hall of fame in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. James Smith (boxer) James "Bonecrusher" Smith (born April 3, 1953) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1981 to 1999, and held the WBA heavyweight title from 1986