By Mike DeLisa

In 1934, Jim Braddock was down and out. His boxing career blighted by broken hands, the New York Irishman had won five of his previous 21 bouts and had been forced to quit. The Great Depression was at its height. When work dried up on the Hudson River docks, Braddock was forced to claim welfare relief to feed his young family.

Then came a visit from his old manager, asking if he wanted one more fight. Desperate for money, Braddock had no choice but to say yes. Four wins later, he was the heavyweight champion of the world in the greatest upset in the sport's history.

Braddock's rags-to-riches success led Damon Runyon to call him the Cinderella Man. His story captivated the nation in much the way the racehorse Seabiscuit's would a few years later. Braddock came to represent the struggle for survival facing many families in mid-1930s America.

James J. Braddock was born in New York City in 1906, one of seven children. He developed an early taste for fighting and quit school to work a series of menial jobs before resolving to pursue his boxing dream. Over the next decade he became a contender, before injury ruined his prospects. Redemption came on the night of June 13, 1935, with his famous victory over the outrageous champion Max Baer. Braddock would later lose his title to the great Joe Louis, but his place as the people's champion was cemented forever. 

The Book is published by Milo books and is available at Amazon.Com  

 Billy Soose:

The Champion Time Forgot

By Rusty Rubin and  Tom Donelson

         Billy Soose was one of the top middleweights between 1939 and 1941 whose outstanding ring skills were comparable to even Tony Zale.  Authors Rubin and Donelson trace Soose’s career from his early life, through his incredible amateur career, the start of his professional career, his battles with boxing’s elites at middleweight and light heavyweight, his enlistment in the Navy, his life after the war and retirement and a case of why the authors believe that Billy Soose deserves to be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The book can be ordered directly at www.authorhouse.com

Tom Donelson will also carry a few copies at his house and will ship to anybody for $14, including shipping. His address is:
Tom Donelson
2560 Plymouth Street
Marion, Iowa 52302

Tom Donelson: 50, has been the author of many boxing books. His work has appeared in the National Review, Kansas City Star and other publications. Tom also writes for various boxing websites including ringsports.com and boxingscene.com. Among his many literary works are 'More Tales From Ringside'; 'Viewing Boxing From Ringside, and 'Empire of Liberty'.

Rusty Rubin, 63, print and broadcast journalist for many years. He's been involved in boxing in many capacities for more than 50 years. Rusty writes for many boxing websites including his own, Ringsports.com. Author of the highly rated historical boxing novel "Off the Canvas". Rusty has been awarded many boxing honors, including IBF Boxing Writer of the Year in 1993, Boxing Editor of the Year from the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing in 1991.