. By the early 1930s, the impoverished ex-prizefighter was as broken-down, beaten-up and out-of-luck as much of the rest of the American populace who had hit rock bottom.
. His career appeared to be finished, he was unable to pay the bills, the only thing that mattered to him was his family and they were in danger, and he was even forced to go on Public Relief.
. Deep inside, Jim Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love, honor and an incredible quantity of grit, he willed an made an impossible dream to come true.
. In a last chance bid to help his family, Braddock returned to the ring. No one thought he had a shot. However Braddock, fueled by something beyond mere competition, kept winning. Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete.
. The depression is on and Braddock has had a series of defeats. Fighting injured, including with a broken hand, made him less of a fighter. Braddock, like many others in that era, lost everything in the stock market and scrimping by on the small fights he can get and on dock work. His wife would prefer he quit boxing, but knows how badly they need the money to get by with their three kids. Watering down milk just to make it do for several more days is a common occurrence.
. When his trainer manages to get him one more fight on the spur of the moment against the current #2 contender, Braddock rises to the occasion and knocks him out. His amazing comeback becomes the source of inspiration of many down on their luck Americans. A series of fights later leads to the championship match against the arrogant champ, Max Baer. Baer, who had already killed two men in the ring, urges the older Braddock not to fight him. Of course, Braddock feels he has nothing more to lose and very devastating, intense fight ensues. Contains very brutal boxing violence.
. then James J wins.
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