Chapter 7 Back in the Ring. Long Island City, New York, June 14, 1934Jim's name wasn't even on the sign, but he didn't care. Twohundred and fifty dollars and the chance to punch something realwere the only things on his mind.Joe Gould didn't know what to think about the fight. Themanager had tried to get Braddock back in the ring since the timeJim had walked around the boxing club with his hat in his hand.Joe had pushed his way into Jimmy Johnston's office again andagain, trying to get Jim a fight.He had been outside Johnston's office when the fight organizergot the bad news about Griffin's opponent, just two days beforethe big fight. This left Johnston with a problem. Griffin was apromising young star in the boxing world, and Johnston wantedto get the New York sports world interested in him. The youngSouthern boxer needed to beat a fighter in the city who had oncebeen a big name. Now it seemed that Jim Braddock was the rightchoice—especially as Braddock's manager was waiting outsideJohnston's office.Joe had accepted the offer, but now, on fight night, he wasworried. He knew that Jim hadn't fought in over a year. Exceptfor today, he hadn't trained in a long time. He had even sold hisboxing gloves and shoes. Joe had to borrow some so that his boxercould fight