Was James J. Braddock a great boxer?

[hemichromis]

he wasn't a great boxer or puncher but he had one of the biggest hearts of any boxer. to me this doesn't make him great but it is impressive

[Kid Achilles]

Loughran was not merely a "good boxer", he was one of the most gifted natural boxers ever. I don't mean in terms of speed or anything, I'm talking about how he used his brain in there.

So no, not every good boxer is not going to easily beat him, but the very best would have to be favored.

[Phantasm]

Loughran was not merely a "good boxer", he was one of the most gifted natural boxers ever. I don't mean in terms of speed or anything, I'm talking about how he used his brain in there.

So no, not every good boxer is not going to easily beat him, but the very best would have to be favored.

No, I never meant to say Loughran was merely a 'good boxer'. I know Loughran was one of the all time great boxers. What I meant to say was that Braddock was usually beaten by guys who would stay on the outside and not get caught with that big right hand of his. I mentioned Loughran only because he is the best known boxer of the bunch, but obviously the best Braddock probably ever faced.

[Kid Achilles]

Oh okay I apologize then. I took it to mean "Loughran beat him easily, so any half decent boxer would just the same".

[Phantasm]

Oh okay I apologize then. I took it to mean "Loughran beat him easily, so any half decent boxer would just the same".

No prob...after you pointed it out, I could see how I didnt explain myself correctly.
Loughran doesnt get the recognition he deserves.

[QueensburyRules]

I'm actually reading the book based on the film right now. I had read Jeremy Schaap's book when the film came out. The guy wasnt great, but had heart and a big right hand. If I were to compare him to a modern day fighter, it'd probably be Micky Ward (who happens to be my favorite fighter). And like Ward, he'd probably be a considered a good fighter, but not the elite. He made the boxing HOF based on his win over Baer, though he was a top Light Heavyweight prospect in his early days. But a good boxer would easily beat him, like Tommy Loughran did.

- - The film was a horror of typical Hollywood mangling of already dramatic history with a bunch of slop. Braddock and Baer both dramatic fighters who got a lot of credit in their day.