I enjoyed this one, first time I've seen more than highlights too. This is like Louis' version of Gomez-Yum. He may have been dropped early, but he looked like what was arguably the best fighter ever three rounds later. I really enjoyed how he stood in the pocket and rolled with Braddock's wide punches. He fired that cross down the middle with painstaking accuracy. Braddock had a sneaky cross-counter as well, to his credit. He isn't the bum he's often painted out to be. I do love a Cinderella Man story, it's why I love Leon and Douglas.
Overall, this is a dull fight except for it being a big upset. Braddock looks very basic. He carries his hands low and generally plods, but was able to move a little when he had to after Baer went on the attack. Baer was so wide open that Braddock's jab and right cross were efficient in scoring. He never appeared to hurt Baer at all. Baer looked to me like he hadn't trained. Despite the slow pace, Baer looked to be gulping air by midway through the fight. His mouth was open throughout the last rounds. Baer could hurt Braddock, but Braddock's main asset was a good chin and he survived okay. I got the impression Baer thought Braddock would fold the first time he was hit. When he didn't, Baer had no plan B. I agree though that the fight was competitive over the second half once Baer realized he had to put out against Braddock, and I think he got the best of it down the stretch, despite showing almost nothing. But Braddock certainly earned the decision. My take is Braddock looked mediocre, but a lot better than he did against Loughran. Baer was awful. I think he held his opponent cheap and paid the price. Despite the announcer saying Braddock was the taller man, Baer looked taller to me. I think Baer was an inch or so taller than his listed height.
More telling than the hands is Baer no even looking so upset he lost. He was never in love w the sport.
