Baer, Max

Max Baer, in full Maximilian Adelbert Baer, (born February 11, 1909, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.—died November 21, 1959, Hollywood, California), American boxer who won the world heavyweight championship by knocking out Primo Carnera in 11 rounds in New York City on June 14, 1934. He lost the title to James J. Braddock on a 15-round decision at Long Island City, New York, on June 13, 1935.

Perhaps Baer’s finest performance was a 10-round knockout of former heavyweight champion Max Schmeling on June 8, 1933. During Baer’s boxing career (1929–41) he won 70 of 83 fights, 52 by knockouts, and was considered one of the hardest right-hand punchers in boxing history. Baer was a genial man known for his quick wit and flamboyant lifestyle. After retiring from boxing he appeared in a nightclub act with his brother, Buddy, who was also a world-class prizefighter. Max Baer also appeared on television and made a number of films, including The Prizefighter and the Lady (1933) and The Harder They Fall (1956). Baer was inducted into Ring magazine’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 1969.