James J. Braddock vs. Tommy Farr (19 min. version Now on Rareboxing)

I enjoyed that Billy. Exceptional picture quality for a fight that took place over eighty years ago. Arcel and Bimstien in Braddock's corner. Wonderful.
I've seen way worse fights, many of them featuring Ricky Hatton or, on an off night, Joe Calzaghe.
I would guess that Braddock didn't want to engage Tommy on the inside, where he was notoriously strong. Farr didn't have the boxing ability, save for pot shotting his right over the top, to stay at a distance and despite his brittle hands, Jimmy could still pop.
Thanks mate. Keep 'em coming.

 

Like I said pal. Seen way worse.

 

Please, tell me that you have a long version of Baer vs Farr!

 

This is great footage! Loved watching it.

Not sure why you’re apologizing for the fighters? It was a good tactical matchup between two good boxers. I was impressed with Braddock’s finesse and poise. He remained balanced and in position no matter what Farr threw at him, and rarely got out of position to throw his own punches.

If you’re looking for an explosive knockout, brawling action fight, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a tactical “sweet sciencey” fight from the 30’s, this is a great watch!

Thank you for uploading this. The quality is pristine!

 

This. I haven’t seen footage of this fight in years. Two very experienced operators at work. Many of the heavyweights today could learn a lot from watching guys like Braddock and Farr, who were both masters of their craft.

Braddock and Farr were both extremely experienced (around 100 fights of experience), so they knew better to than to get too aggressive with the other and risked getting flattened.

Braddock being a 6’3” light heavyweight with a dynamite right hand was used to fighting lightning fast light heavyweights, so when he fought heavyweights, who were slow by comparison and usually less experienced it was easy for him to slip, tie up, and parry to pretty much neutralize almost any heavyweight he wanted to. Braddock would’ve got destroyed if he fought Farr head on.

To this day I still say Joe Louis was very lucky Braddock was inactive when he defended his title, since Louis might’ve lost to a more active Braddock. Going into the Braddock fight Louis was warned by his managers and trainer to take his time and wear Braddock down and knock him out in the later rounds, but Louis being young and relatively inexperienced jumped right on Braddock and got floored.

As for Farr, he was very strong, durable, and had excellent timing, so most guys fought him cautiously. Joe Louis himself as the champion played it very safe with Farr and got the decision, since Farr didn’t need much space to punch and had punching power in both hands.

 

Any other Schmeling or Baer fights?

 

Thanks for posting. I enjoyed watching it. It was not an entertaining fight, but I always appreciate a chance to see old timers who were rarely filmed.

I disagree with your scoring. I had Farr winning a narrow decision. I was surprised Farr didn't use his jab more as it was effective. Braddock was as stiff-legged as anyone I have seen. Both men looked much better against Baer and Louis.

Farr was big and could move when he wanted to, but his right was looping rather than crisp and he didn't have much power. It was wise for Braddock to hang them up as he appeared to be going back.

As for your fix theory, if you are serious, it must have been the officials who were fixed, as it was a split decision, and looking at the write-up at boxrec, it appears ringsiders slightly went for Farr having the best of this dull fight, as I did.

 

I've got Schmeling vs Uzcdun, and its better than this.

I have heard Braddock vs Farr was a iffy decision. Farr never won a fight in the USA. Keep in mind although this footage is somewhat rare, its the highlights, about 18 minutes of the fight. The rest of the fight is missing. IMO these 1930's heavyweights could be game, but otherwise a poor lot.

 

Oh yeah? Prove it buster. Upload the whole thing and I’ll believe you.