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,
George Godfrey (boxer born 1897) of Belgium. When Baer instead opted to fight James J. Braddock, they withdrew recognition of him as champion. Subsequently, the IBU matched Charles with Godfrey for their version of the title with the fight taking place in Brussels, Belgium on 2 October 1935. Godfrey won a fifteen round decision on points, but did not press any claim to the championship and it was inactive for the next two years. The IBU then recognized Baer's successor, James J. Braddock, as champion. In 2003, Godfrey was named to the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. In 2007, he