Max Baer

Born: 1909 | Died: 1959

Professional Boxer

Maximillian Adelbert Baer, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to German immigrant parents. His father was a butcher, and Baer often credited his powerful shoulders to working as a butcher.

He became a professional boxer in 1929, and aroused controversy almost right from the start. In 1930 Baer fought Frankie Campell in San Fransisco, knocking him out in two blows. Campell died hours later in a hospital. He was charged with manslaughter, but was eventually acquitted by the California State Boxing Commission. Baer himself is said to have been deeply affected by the tragic incident, suffering nightmares.

One of Baer's finest performances was a 10-round knockout of former heavyweight champion Max Schmeling on June 8, 1933. Baer displayed on his shorts a Star of David as his Baer’s grandfather was Jewish. During Baer's boxing career (1929–41) he won 70 of 83 fights, 52 by knockouts. He is considered one of the hardest right-hand punchers in boxing history.

Over the years Baer starred in several movies, most notably “The Prize Fighter and the Lady.” Most recently, the historic character of Baer provided the background for the 2005 movie “Cinderella Man,” starring Russell Crowe as the underdog James J. Braddock, who took the heavyweight championship from Baer in 1935. Baer was inducted into Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame in 1969. He died in Hollywood.

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