The further back in time we go the less frequent fight films become, which is a pity and a shame. However, the 1930s was something of a radical time in heavyweight boxing--- since Gene Tunney relinquished the title in 1928 it passed around five times in the span of nine years.
Grey haired reporters and fighting men lamented the state of the division and boasted about the champions in their day--- as good and promising as Schmeling, Sharkey, Carnera, and Braddock were they didn't live up to the hype, potential and public demand.
One man, though, did seem to be everything you could ask for in a Heavyweight Champion. Max Baer was exciting, handsome, powerful, and engaging. Long before there was a Muhammad Ali there was Madcap Maxie.
Unfortunately, as with many fighters, success got the best of the incredibly popular champion--- and he, too, did not live up to the greatness so many people thought he would achieve.
Reverse Order, Latest to Oldest
Following his boxing career Baer became a referee for boxing and wrestling matches--- he even had a wrestling "rematch" with Carnera that ended in a draw. The two men (also) had a boxing exhibition return bout.
Max Baer vs Lou Nova (2nd of 2nd)
In what would be Baer's last fight--- he gets stopped in the 8th round of a scheduled 10 rounds.
Max Baer vs Pat Comiskey
Voted by RING magazine as the Knockout of the Year, the old ex champion annihilated the promising contender in one round.
Max Baer vs Tony Galento
"The Battle of the Bums" it was called, and Baer stops the New Jersey Nightstick in eight brutal rounds. More of a street fight than a boxing match this is a "must see" for any boxing fan.
Max Baer vs Lou Nova (1st of 2nd)
Top rated Nova beats Baer in the 11th round of a scheduled 15 rounds.
Max Baer vs Ben Foord
In a surprise upset Baer kayos Foord, the South African Heavyweight contender.
Max Baer vs Tommy Farr
Baer wins a decision. The second meeting of the two men. Baer lost the first meeting via 12 round decision. This was a 15 round fight.
Max Baer vs Joe Louis
Little did anyone know that Baer's hand was broken and a shot of novacaine made his right arm completely numb & useless--- but it was looked upon as Baer's end of the road.
Max & Buddy Baer, long before the Spinks Bros & Klitschko's there was the Baer brothers.
Max Baer vs James J. Braddock
Described as "the greatest upset since Corbett defeated Sullivan", Baer drops the title to the Cinderella Man in a fifteen round decision loss.
Baer's opinion on Braddock prior to their fight--- humble in contrast to the clownish persona he'd oftentimes bring into the ring with him.
Max Baer vs Kingfish Levinsky
(Exhibition Match), these men fought two times in the pros and this shows the contrast in improvement as Baer went 20 rounds with Levinsky in '32 and this is now '34.
Short video on Baer after winning the title against Carnera.
Max Baer vs Primo Carnera
In one of the most thrilling fights in boxing history, the gigantic Carnera is dropped 11 times in 11 rounds by challenger Baer. For a time, there was serious discussion on creating a "Dreadnaught" division because the public thought it unfair the Italian giant was "too big" for other heavyweights.
Schmeling was perceived as a Nazi who was going to bring the title back to Germany--- Baer, donning the Star of David, shouted "This ones for Hitler!" as he pounded Schmeling to pieces. Long before Louis, it was Baer who was fighting for America's honor--- his back to back kayos of Schmeling & Carnera was viewed as America knocking out Hitler and Mussolini.
Max Baer vs Kingfish Levinsky
20 round match. Baer wins the decision. Earlier in '32 Baer beat him in a ten round decision.
Fight by Fight: Max Baer
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HomicideHenry
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Max Baer, Celebrity
So popular was Baer after the Carnera fight that he was even in popular cartoon serials sure as Scrappy's Big Moment (1935).
TCM's info on the 1933 Hollywood production of THE PRIZEFIGHTER AND THE LADY which was rather prophetic as Baer & Carnera 'fought' each other in the film having Baer emerge victorious. One year later Baer would beat Carnera.
Trailer for The Prizefighter and the Lady, believe it or not actress Myrna Loy won her third academy award for this movie.
Rather elaborate dance number with Baer and a crew of women in the movie