Max Baer

Maximilian Adelbert Baer Sr. (11 February 1909 to 21 November 1959) was an American professional boxer and the world heavyweight champion from June 1934 to June 1935. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Livermore, California, he turned professional in 1929 and fought with an aggressive style, earning the nicknames the Livermore Larupper and Madcap Maxie. Two of his fights, a 1933 win over Max Schmeling and a 1935 loss to James J. Braddock, were rated Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine, and he is ranked number 22 on its list of the 100 greatest punchers. He also refereed boxing and had occasional film and television roles. He was the brother of heavyweight Buddy Baer and father of actor Max Baer Jr.