Chapter 11 Face to Face with the Champion
Madison Square Garden, March 24, 1935
Jim Braddock and Joe Gould smiled for the cameras. Then it was
time for the reporters' questions.
"Jim, do you have anything to say to our readers?"
"Not everybody gets a second chance," answered Jim. He
looked at Mae, who sat at the front in a new yellow dress, smiling
nervously. "I have a lot to be grateful for."Another reporter stood. "Max Baer says that he's worried he's
going to kill you in the ring. What do you say?"
Mae looked down at her hands. Jim looked the reporter in the
eye. "Max Baer is the champion," he said. "I'm looking forward to
the fight."
The next question was from a familiar face. Sporty Lewis stood
and turned toward Mae. "Mrs. Braddock, how do you feel about
the fact that Max Baer has killed two men in the ring?" Mae
could find no words. "Mrs. Braddock, are you scared for your
husband's life?" continued Lewis.
A camera appeared in front of Mae's face. Jim jumped to his
feet. "She's scared for Max Baer!" he shouted.
Joe Gould lifted his arms like a referee. "OK, OK, one more
question . . ."
While Jim answered the last question, his eyes searched for Mae.
She refused to look up, not wanting him to see the doubts and fear
in her eyes.
A second reporter stood. "Can you tell our readers why you
gave your relief money back?"
Jim nodded. "This great country of ours helps a man when he's
in trouble. I've had some good luck, so I thought I'd return the
money."
49