Professional Boxer. The Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1934 to 1935. Born in Omaha, he dropped out of school in the eighth grade to work with his father on a cattle ranch and developed great strength. He got into boxing and turned pro in 1929 and steadily progressed through the ranks, beating the likes of King Levinsky, Tommy Loughran, and Walter Cobb. In 1933, the wise-cracking Baer fought a tremendous fight against Max Schmeling at Yankee Stadium. Max Baer dominated the German slugger, and the referee stopped the fight in the 10th round. He then took on Heavyweight Champion Primo Carnera in 1934 at Madison Square Garden, unloading on Carnera throughout the bout, knocking him down 11 times in 11 rounds and winning the crown as the new Champion. He then fought many exhibitions over a year's time but lost the title in his first defense against Jim Braddock in 1935. He would continue to fight for another six years, then finally retire in 1941 with a record of 72-12-0 with 53 knockouts. He later had a successful nightclub act, both individually and with Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom. His son Max Jr., became a famous actor, best known for his role as 'Jethro Bodine' in the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." In 1995, 36 years after his death, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Professional Boxer. The Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1934 to 1935. Born in Omaha, he dropped out of school in the eighth grade to work with his father on a cattle ranch and developed great strength. He got into boxing and turned pro in 1929 and steadily progressed through the ranks, beating the likes of King Levinsky, Tommy Loughran, and Walter Cobb. In 1933, the wise-cracking Baer fought a tremendous fight against Max Schmeling at Yankee Stadium. Max Baer dominated the German slugger, and the referee stopped the fight in the 10th round. He then took on Heavyweight Champion Primo Carnera in 1934 at Madison Square Garden, unloading on Carnera throughout the bout, knocking him down 11 times in 11 rounds and winning the crown as the new Champion. He then fought many exhibitions over a year's time but lost the title in his first defense against Jim Braddock in 1935. He would continue to fight for another six years, then finally retire in 1941 with a record of 72-12-0 with 53 knockouts. He later had a successful nightclub act, both individually and with Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom. His son Max Jr., became a famous actor, best known for his role as 'Jethro Bodine' in the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." In 1995, 36 years after his death, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Bio by: Jay Lance
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