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Max Baer
Max Baer publicity-A.jpg
Baer c. 1935
Statistics
Real name Maximilian Adelbert Baer
Rated at Heavyweight
Height 6 ft 2+1⁄2 in (1.89 m)
Reach 81 in
Nationality American
Born (1909-02-11)February 11, 1909
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Died November 21, 1959(1959-11-21) (aged 50)
Hollywood, California, U.S.
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 81
Wins 68
Wins by KO 51
Losses 13

Maximilian Adelbert Baer (born February 11, 1909 – died November 21, 1959) was a famous American professional boxer. He was the world heavyweight champion from June 1934 to June 1935. Two of his boxing matches were named "Fight of the Year" by The Ring magazine. Max Baer also worked as a boxing referee and acted in movies and on TV. His brother, Buddy Baer, was also a heavyweight boxer, and his son, Max Baer Jr., became an actor. The Ring magazine ranks Max Baer as one of the 100 greatest punchers of all time.

Early Life and Strong Shoulders

Max Baer was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 11, 1909. His father, Jacob, was from a Jewish family, and his mother, Dora, had Scots-Irish roots. Max had two younger sisters and a younger brother, Jacob Henry, who was known as Buddy Baer. Buddy also became a boxer and actor.

Moving to California

In 1922, Max's family moved to California for its warmer weather. His father was an expert in the meat business and found many jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area. While living in Hayward, Max's first job was delivering groceries.

The Baer family lived in several towns in Northern California, including Hayward, San Leandro, and Galt, before settling in Livermore in 1926. Livermore was known for ranches and cowboys. Max often said that carrying heavy meat, stunning cattle with one punch, and working at a gravel pit helped him develop his incredibly strong shoulders.

Max Baer's Boxing Career

Max Baer started his professional boxing career in 1929. He quickly became well-known on the Pacific Coast. However, a sad event in the ring almost made him quit boxing.

The Frankie Campbell Fight

On August 25, 1930, Max Baer fought Frankie Campbell in San Francisco. During the fifth round, Max hit Frankie with many punches. The referee stopped the fight, and Frankie collapsed. Max stayed by Frankie's side until an ambulance arrived. The next day, Frankie Campbell passed away. Doctors said his brain had been severely injured by the blows.

Max was heartbroken and cried a lot. He was investigated for the incident, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing. The California State Boxing Commission did ban him from fighting in the state for a year. Max gave money from his future fights to Frankie Campbell's family. This tragic event deeply affected Max, even though he was known for being tough. His son, Max Baer Jr., later said that his father was a very kind and gentle person who never meant to hurt anyone.

The Ernie Schaaf Fight

Because of the Campbell incident, some people started calling Max a "killer" in the ring. This idea grew stronger after his fight with Ernie Schaaf on August 31, 1932. Max had lost to Ernie before. In their second fight, Max knocked Ernie out in the last seconds of the final round.

After this fight, Schaaf often complained of headaches. Five months later, Ernie Schaaf died in the ring during a fight with another boxer, Primo Carnera. However, an autopsy showed that Schaaf had meningitis, a brain swelling, and was still recovering from a bad case of influenza. This meant his death was not caused by Max Baer's punches.

Fighting Max Schmeling

Baer Loy in The Prizefighter and the Lady
Baer and Jean Howard in The Prizefighter and the Lady

On June 8, 1933, Max Baer fought Max Schmeling, a German heavyweight and former world champion, at Yankee Stadium. Schmeling was favored to win and was a favorite boxer of Adolf Hitler. Even though Max Baer was only half Jewish, the Nazi newspaper Der Stürmer attacked Schmeling for fighting someone who wasn't "Aryan."

Despite the Great Depression, 60,000 people watched the fight. Millions more listened on the radio. Max Baer, showing his pride in his Jewish heritage, wore boxing shorts with the Star of David. He dominated the fight and knocked Schmeling down in the tenth round, leading the referee to stop the match. Many saw Baer's victory as a symbol of hope against the Nazis.

Max Baer became a hero to Jewish people and those who disliked the Nazis. After World War II, it was discovered that Schmeling had actually saved many Jewish children during the war. Max Baer's victory even caught the attention of film star Greta Garbo, who invited him to Hollywood. They became friends, and their friendship turned into a romance for a while.

Becoming World Heavyweight Champion

On June 14, 1934, Max Baer fought the huge world champion, Primo Carnera, who weighed 267 pounds. The fight took place at the outdoor Madison Square Garden Bowl in Long Island City, New York. Max knocked Carnera down 11 times! The referee stopped the fight in the eleventh round to protect Carnera from more punches. Max Baer became the new world heavyweight champion.

Losing to James J. Braddock

Max Baer held his world title for almost exactly one year. On June 13, 1935, one of the biggest upsets in boxing history happened. Max fought James J. Braddock, a boxer who was not expected to win. Max had not trained very hard for the fight, thinking it would be easy. Braddock, however, trained with all his might. He said he had faced tougher challenges in his life than Max Baer.

Max, always a showman, joked and clowned around in the ring. But Braddock was serious. He took Max's powerful punches and kept fighting back. After 15 rounds, Braddock won by a unanimous decision, surprising everyone. This fight was so famous it was featured in the 2005 movie Cinderella Man, where Craig Bierko played Max Baer and Russell Crowe played James J. Braddock.

Later Career and Retirement

After losing his title, Max Baer and his brother Buddy both fought Joe Louis, another legendary boxer. In Max's fight against Louis in September 1935, Louis knocked Max down twice. Max had never been knocked down before in his career. It was later found that Max had fought Louis with a broken right hand, which had not healed from his fight with Braddock.

Max Baer's last professional fight was on April 4, 1941, when he lost to Lou Nova. Max retired from boxing after this fight. He had a great career, with 71 wins out of 84 professional fights. Fifty-three of his wins were by knockout! He defeated many famous boxers like Max Schmeling, Tony Galento, and Tommy Farr.

Max Baer was honored for his boxing achievements. He was inducted into The Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame in 1968 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2009, he was also inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Acting Career

Max Baer loved to perform, both in and out of the boxing ring. His first movie was The Prizefighter and the Lady (1933), where he starred with Myrna Loy. In this movie, he played a bartender who becomes a boxer. His real-life opponent, Primo Carnera, also appeared in the film as himself.

In 1934, The Prizefighter and the Lady was banned in Nazi Germany by Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's Minister of Propaganda. Max Baer joked that they banned it because he had knocked out Max Schmeling! During World War II, Max and his brother Buddy joined the United States Army Air Forces.

Max Baer acted in nearly 20 movies, including Africa Screams (1949) with Abbott and Costello. He also made several TV appearances and even had his own TV variety show. In 1950, Max teamed up with his friend, boxer and comedian Maxie Rosenbloom, for comedy shows and films. They were known as "The Two Maxie's."

Besides acting, Max Baer worked as a disc jockey for a radio station and was a wrestler for a while. He also worked in public relations for a car dealership and refereed boxing and wrestling matches.

Family Life

Max Baer was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Dorothy Dunbar. Later, he married Mary Ellen Sullivan, and they had three children: Max Baer Jr. (born 1937), who became famous as Jethro Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies; James Manny Baer (1941–2009); and Maudie Marian Baer (born 1944).

Max Baer's Death

Max Baer referees a boxing match 1937
Baer refereeing a match between George Godfrey (left) and Hank Hankinson, 1937

On November 18, 1959, Max Baer refereed a boxing match on TV. A few days later, on November 21, he was in Hollywood for some TV commercials. He checked into the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. While shaving, he felt chest pains and called for a doctor. A doctor gave him medicine, and he seemed to be getting better, even joking with the doctor. But then he had a second heart attack and passed away quickly. His last words were reportedly, "Oh God, here I go."

Funeral and Legacy

More than 1,500 people attended Max Baer's funeral in Sacramento. Famous boxers like Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey were among those who carried his coffin. He was buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sacramento.

Max Baer is remembered in several ways. There are parks named after him in Livermore, California and Sacramento. He was also honored by the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Max was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. After he died from a heart attack, the Eagles created "The Max Baer Heart Fund" to honor him and help fight heart disease. This fund has donated millions of dollars for heart research and education across the United States and Canada.

Selected Filmography

Max Baer, Myrna Loy, Primo Carnera 1932
Carnera, Loy and Baer in The Prizefighter and the Lady
  • The Prizefighter and the Lady (1933) as Morgan
  • Max Baer vs. Max Schmeling (1933) as Himself
  • World's Heavyweight Championship: Primo Carnera and Max Baer (1934) as Himself
  • Kids on the Cuff (1935)
  • Joe Louis vs. Jack Sharkey (1936) as Himself
  • Over She Goes (1938) as Silas Morner
  • Fisticuffs (1938) as Himself
  • The Navy Comes Through (1942) as Coxswain G. Berringer
  • The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942) as Professor Samson
  • Ladies' Day (1943) as Hippo Jones
  • Buckskin Frontier (1943) as Tiny
  • Africa Screams (1949) as Grappler McCoy
  • Bride for Sale (1949) as Litka
  • Riding High (1950) as Bertie (uncredited)
  • Skipalong Rosenbloom (1951) as Butcher Baer
  • Rocky Marciano vs. Archie Moore (1955) as Himself - Guest
  • The Harder They Fall (1956) as Buddy Brannen
  • Utah Blaine (1957) as Gus Ortmann
  • Once Upon a Horse... (1958) as Ben (final film role)

Max Baer was also referenced in:

  • The Tortoise and the Hare (1934) Disney cartoon. A character named "Max Hare" appears, wearing a boxer's robe.

Max Baer was portrayed by actors in:

  • Cinderella Man (2005) – played by Craig Bierko
  • Carnera: The Walking Mountain (2008) – played by Antonio Cupo

TV Guest Appearances

  • Playhouse 90 (1957) ... Mike ... episode: Requiem for a Heavyweight
  • Abbott and Costello Show (1953) ... Killer ... episode: Killer's Wife
  • Make Room For Daddy (1958) ... Himself ... episode: Rusty The Bully

Max Baer's Boxing Record

All information in this section comes from BoxRec.

Official Record

Professional record summary
81 fights 66 wins 13 losses
By knockout 51 3
By decision 15 8
By disqualification 0 2
Newspaper decisions/draws 2

Newspaper decisions are not counted in the official win/loss/draw record.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
81 Loss 66–13 (2) Lou Nova TKO 8 (10), 2:18 April 4, 1941 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
80 Win 66–12 (2) Pat Comiskey TKO 1 (10), 2:39 September 26, 1940 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
79 Win 65–12 (2) Tony Galento RTD 7 (15) July 2, 1940 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
78 Win 64–12 (2) Babe Ritchie KO 2 (10), 1:10 September 18, 1939 Fair Park Stadium, Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
77 Win 63–12 (2) Big Ed Murphy KO 1 (4), 1:40 September 4, 1939 Silver Peak, Nevada, U.S.
76 Loss 62–12 (2) Lou Nova TKO 11 (12), 1:21 June 1, 1939 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
75 Win 62–11 (2) Hank Hankinson KO 1 (10), 0:48 October 26, 1938 Civic Auditorium, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
74 Win 61–11 (2) Tommy Farr UD 15 March 11, 1938 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
73 Win 60–11 (2) Ben Foord TKO 9 (10) May 27, 1937 Harringay Arena, London, England
72 Loss 59–11 (2) Tommy Farr PTS 12 April 15, 1937 Harringay Arena, London, England
71 Win 59–10 (2) Dutch Weimer KO 2 (10), 1:30 October 19, 1936 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
70 Loss 58–10 (2) Willie Davies PTS 6 October 8, 1936 Platteville, Wisconsin, U.S.
69 Win 58–9 (2) Tim Charles KO 4 (6) October 6, 1936 Coliseum, Evansville, Illinois, U.S.
68 Win 57–9 (2) Andy Miller NWS 6 September 21, 1936 Sheldon, Iowa, Iowa, U.S.
67 Win 57–9 (1) Bearcat Wright NWS 6 September 14, 1936 Des Moines Coliseum, Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
66 Win 57–9 Cowboy Sammy Evans KO 3 (6) September 7, 1936 Elks Hall, Casper, Wyoming, U.S.
65 Win 56–9 Cyclone Lynch KO 3 (6) September 4, 1936 Rock Springs, Wyoming, U.S.
64 Win 55–9 Al Gaynor KO 1 (6) September 2, 1936 Lincoln Field, Twin Falls, Idaho, U.S.
63 Win 54–9 Don Baxter KO 1 (6) August 31, 1936 Memorial Ball Park, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, U.S.
62 Win 53–9 Al Frankco KO 2 (6) August 29, 1936 Recreation Park, Lewiston, Idaho, U.S.
61 Win 52–9 Cecil Myart PTS 6 August 25, 1936 Multnomah Stadium, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
60 Win 51–9 Nails Gorman TKO 3 (6) August 24, 1936 Armory, Marshfield, Wisconsin, U.S.
59 Win 50–9 Bob Williams KO 1 (6), 3:00 July 24, 1936 Ogden Stadium, Ogden, Utah, U.S.
58 Win 49–9 Cecil Smith PTS 4 July 17, 1936 Convention Hall, Ada, Oklahoma, U.S.
57 Win 48–9 Junior Munsell KO 5 (6), 0:45 July 16, 1936 Tulsa Coliseum, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
56 Win 47–9 James Merriott KO 2 (6) July 13, 1936 Avey's Open-Air Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
55 Win 46–9 Buck Rogers KO 3 (6) July 2, 1936 Sportatorium, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
54 Win 45–9 Wilson Dunn TKO 3 (6) June 24, 1936 Tech Field, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
53 Win 44–9 George Brown TKO 4 (6) June 23, 1936 Tyler, Texas, U.S.
52 Win 43–9 Harold Murphy PTS 6 June 19, 1936 Pocatello Armory, Pocatello, Idaho, U.S.
51 Win 42–9 Bob Fraser TKO 2 (6) June 17, 1936 Ada Co. Fairgrounds, Boise, Idaho, U.S.
50 Win 41–9 Tony Souza PTS 6 June 15, 1936 McCullough's Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
49 Loss 40–9 Joe Louis KO 4 (15), 3:09 September 24, 1935 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
48 Loss 40–8 James J. Braddock UD 15 June 13, 1935 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Long Island City, New York, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
47 Win 40–7 Primo Carnera TKO 11 (15), 2:16 June 14, 1934 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Long Island City, New York, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
46 Win 39–7 Max Schmeling TKO 10 (15), 1:51 June 8, 1933 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
45 Win 38–7 Tuffy Griffiths TKO 7 (10), 0:58 September 26, 1932 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
44 Win 37–7 Ernie Schaaf MD 10 August 31, 1932 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
43 Win 36–7 King Levinsky PTS 20 July 4, 1932 Dempsey's Bowl, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
42 Win 35–7 Walter Cobb TKO 4 (10) May 11, 1932 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
41 Win 34–7 Paul Swiderski TKO 6 (10) April 26, 1932 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
40 Win 33–7 Tom Heeney PTS 10 February 22, 1932 Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
39 Win 32–7 King Levinsky UD 10 January 29, 1932 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 31–7 Arthur De Kuh PTS 10 December 30, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
37 Win 30–7 Les Kennedy KO 3 (10) November 23, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
36 Win 29–7 Johnny Risko PTS 10 November 9, 1931 Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
35 Win 28–7 Santa Camarão KO 10 (10) October 21, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
34 Win 27–7 Jack Van Noy TKO 8 (10) September 23, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
33 Loss 26–7 Paulino Uzcudun PTS 20 July 4, 1931 Race Track Arena, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
32 Loss 26–6 Johnny Risko UD 10 May 5, 1931 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
31 Win 26–5 Ernie Owens KO 2 (10) April 7, 1931 Keller Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
30 Loss 25–5 Tommy Loughran UD 10 February 6, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
29 Win 25–4 Tom Heeney KO 3 (10) January 16, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
28 Loss 24–4 Ernie Schaaf UD 10 December 19, 1930 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
27 Win 24–3 Frankie Campbell TKO 5 (10) August 25, 1930 Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S. Campbell died of injuries sustained from the fight.
26 Win 23–3 KO Christner KO 2 (10) August 11, 1930 Oaks Ballpark, Emeryville, California, U.S.
25 Loss 22–3 Les Kennedy PTS 10 July 15, 1930 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
24 Win 22–2 Ernie Owens KO 5 (10) June 25, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
23 Win 21–2 Buck Weaver KO 1 (10) June 11, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
22 Win 20–2 Jack Linkhorn KO 1 (10) May 28, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
21 Win 19–2 Tom Toner TKO 6 (10) May 7, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
20 Win 18–2 Ernie Owens PTS 10 April 22, 1930 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
19 Win 17–2 Jack Stewart KO 2 (10) April 9, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
18 Win 16–2 Tiny Abbott KO 6 (10) January 29, 1930 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
17 Loss 15–2 Tiny Abbott DQ 3 (10) January 15, 1930 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
16 Win 15–1 Tony Fuente KO 1 (10) December 30, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
15 Win 14–1 Chet Shandel KO 2 (10) December 4, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
14 Win 13–1 Tillie Taverna KO 2 (10) November 20, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
13 Win 12–1 Natie Brown PTS 6 November 6, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
12 Win 11–1 Alex Rowe KO 1 (6) October 30, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
11 Win 10–1 Chief Caribou TKO 1 (6) October 16, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
10 Win 9–1 George Carroll TKO 1 (6) October 2, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
9 Win 8–1 Frank Rudzenski KO 3 (6) September 25, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
8 Loss 7–1 Jack McCarthy DQ 3 (6) September 4, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Al Red Ledford KO 2 (6) August 8, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Benny Hill PTS 4 July 31, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Benny Hill PTS 4 July 24, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Al Red Ledford KO 1 (4), 2:02 July 18, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Tillie Taverna KO 1 (4), 2:01 July 4, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Sailor Leeds TKO 1 (4), 1:30 June 6, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Chief Caribou TKO 2 (4) May 16, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.

Unofficial Record

Professional record summary
81 fights 68 wins 13 losses
By knockout 51 3
By decision 17 8
By disqualification 0 2

This record includes newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
81 Loss 68–13 Lou Nova TKO 8 (10), 2:18 Apr 4, 1941 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
80 Win 68–12 Pat Comiskey TKO 1 (10), 2:39 Sep 26, 1940 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
79 Win 67–12 Tony Galento RTD 7 (15) Jul 2, 1940 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
78 Win 66–12 Babe Ritchie KO 2 (10), 1:10 Sep 18, 1939 Fair Park Stadium, Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
77 Win 65–12 Big Ed Murphy KO 1 (4), 1:40 Sep 4, 1939 Silver Peak, Nevada, U.S.
76 Loss 64–12 Lou Nova TKO 11 (12), 1:21 Jun 1, 1939 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
75 Win 64–11 Hank Hankinson KO 1 (10), 0:48 Oct 26, 1938 Civic Auditorium, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
74 Win 63–11 Tommy Farr UD 15 Mar 11, 1938 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
73 Win 62–11 Ben Foord TKO 9 (10) May 27, 1937 Harringay Arena, London, England
72 Loss 61–11 Tommy Farr PTS 12 Apr 15, 1937 Harringay Arena, London, England
71 Win 61–10 Dutch Weimer KO 2 (10), 1:30 Oct 19, 1936 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
70 Loss 60–10 Willie Davies PTS 6 Oct 8, 1936 Platteville, Wisconsin, U.S.
69 Win 60–9 Tim Charles KO 4 (6) Oct 6, 1936 Coliseum, Evansville, Illinois, U.S.
68 Win 59–9 Andy Miller NWS 6 Sep 21, 1936 Sheldon, Iowa, Iowa, U.S.
67 Win 58–9 Bearcat Wright NWS 6 Sep 14, 1936 Des Moines Coliseum, Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
66 Win 57–9 Cowboy Sammy Evans KO 3 (6) Sep 7, 1936 Elks Hall, Casper, Wyoming, U.S.
65 Win 56–9 Cyclone Lynch KO 3 (6) Sep 4, 1936 Rock Springs, Wyoming, U.S.
64 Win 55–9 Al Gaynor KO 1 (6) Sep 2, 1936 Lincoln Field, Twin Falls, Idaho, U.S.
63 Win 54–9 Don Baxter KO 1 (6) Aug 31, 1936 Memorial Ball Park, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, U.S.
62 Win 53–9 Al Frankco KO 2 (6) Aug 29, 1936 Recreation Park, Lewiston, Idaho, U.S.
61 Win 52–9 Cecil Myart PTS 6 Aug 25, 1936 Multnomah Stadium, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
60 Win 51–9 Nails Gorman TKO 3 (6) Aug 24, 1936 Armory, Marshfield, Wisconsin, U.S.
59 Win 50–9 Bob Williams KO 1 (6), 3:00 Jul 24, 1936 Ogden Stadium, Ogden, Utah, U.S.
58 Win 49–9 Cecil Smith PTS 4 Jul 17, 1936 Convention Hall, Ada, Oklahoma, U.S.
57 Win 48–9 Junior Munsell KO 5 (6), 0:45 Jul 16, 1936 Tulsa Coliseum, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
56 Win 47–9 James Merriott KO 2 (6) Jul 13, 1936 Avey's Open-Air Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
55 Win 46–9 Buck Rogers KO 3 (6) Jul 2, 1936 Sportatorium, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
54 Win 45–9 Wilson Dunn TKO 3 (6) Jun 24, 1936 Tech Field, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
53 Win 44–9 George Brown TKO 4 (6) Jun 23, 1936 Tyler, Texas, U.S.
52 Win 43–9 Harold Murphy PTS 6 Jun 19, 1936 Pocatello Armory, Pocatello, Idaho, U.S.
51 Win 42–9 Bob Fraser TKO 2 (6) Jun 17, 1936 Ada Co. Fairgrounds, Boise, Idaho, U.S.
50 Win 41–9 Tony Souza PTS 6 Jun 15, 1936 McCullough's Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
49 Loss 40–9 Joe Louis KO 4 (15), 3:09 Sep 24, 1935 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
48 Loss 40–8 James J. Braddock UD 15 Jun 13, 1935 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Long Island City, New York, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
47 Win 40–7 Primo Carnera TKO 11 (15), 2:16 Jun 14, 1934 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Long Island City, New York, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
46 Win 39–7 Max Schmeling TKO 10 (15), 1:51 Jun 8, 1933 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
45 Win 38–7 Tuffy Griffiths TKO 7 (10), 0:58 September 26, 1932 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
44 Win 37–7 Ernie Schaaf MD 10 August 31, 1932 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
43 Win 36–7 King Levinsky PTS 20 July 4, 1932 Dempsey's Bowl, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
42 Win 35–7 Walter Cobb TKO 4 (10) May 11, 1932 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
41 Win 34–7 Paul Swiderski TKO 6 (10) April 26, 1932 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
40 Win 33–7 Tom Heeney PTS 10 February 22, 1932 Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
39 Win 32–7 King Levinsky UD 10 January 29, 1932 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 31–7 Arthur De Kuh PTS 10 December 30, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
37 Win 30–7 Les Kennedy KO 3 (10) November 23, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
36 Win 29–7 Johnny Risko PTS 10 November 9, 1931 Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
35 Win 28–7 Santa Camarão KO 10 (10) October 21, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
34 Win 27–7 Jack Van Noy TKO 8 (10) September 23, 1931 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
33 Loss 26–7 Paulino Uzcudun PTS 20 July 4, 1931 Race Track Arena, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
32 Loss 26–6 Johnny Risko UD 10 May 5, 1931 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
31 Win 26–5 Ernie Owens KO 2 (10) April 7, 1931 Keller Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
30 Loss 25–5 Tommy Loughran UD 10 February 6, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
29 Win 25–4 Tom Heeney KO 3 (10) January 16, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
28 Loss 24–4 Ernie Schaaf UD 10 December 19, 1930 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
27 Win 24–3 Frankie Campbell TKO 5 (10) August 25, 1930 Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S. Campbell died of injuries sustained from the fight.
26 Win 23–3 KO Christner KO 2 (10) August 11, 1930 Oaks Ballpark, Emeryville, California, U.S.
25 Loss 22–3 Les Kennedy PTS 10 July 15, 1930 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
24 Win 22–2 Ernie Owens KO 5 (10) June 25, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
23 Win 21–2 Buck Weaver KO 1 (10) June 11, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
22 Win 20–2 Jack Linkhorn KO 1 (10) May 28, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
21 Win 19–2 Tom Toner TKO 6 (10) May 7, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
20 Win 18–2 Ernie Owens PTS 10 April 22, 1930 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
19 Win 17–2 Jack Stewart KO 2 (10) April 9, 1930 Oakland Civic Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
18 Win 16–2 Tiny Abbott KO 6 (10) January 29, 1930 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
17 Loss 15–2 Tiny Abbott DQ 3 (10) January 15, 1930 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
16 Win 15–1 Tony Fuente KO 1 (10) December 30, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
15 Win 14–1 Chet Shandel KO 2 (10) December 4, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
14 Win 13–1 Tillie Taverna KO 2 (10) November 20, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
13 Win 12–1 Natie Brown PTS 6 November 6, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
12 Win 11–1 Alex Rowe KO 1 (6) October 30, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
11 Win 10–1 Chief Caribou TKO 1 (6) October 16, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
10 Win 9–1 George Carroll TKO 1 (6) October 2, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
9 Win 8–1 Frank Rudzenski KO 3 (6) September 25, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
8 Loss 7–1 Jack McCarthy DQ 3 (6) September 4, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Al Red Ledford KO 2 (6) August 8, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Benny Hill PTS 4 July 31, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Benny Hill PTS 4 July 24, 1929 Arcadia Pavilion, Oakland, California, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Al Red Ledford KO 1 (4), 2:02 July 18, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Tillie Taverna KO 1 (4), 2:01 July 4, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Sailor Leeds TKO 1 (4), 1:30 June 6, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Chief Caribou TKO 2 (4) May 16, 1929 Oak Park Arena, Stockton, California, U.S.

Images for kids

  • Max Baer publicity-A

    Baer c. 1935

  • Baer Loy in The Prizefighter and the Lady

    Baer and Jean Howard in The Prizefighter and the Lady

  • Max Baer referees a boxing match 1937

    Baer refereeing a match between George Godfrey (left) and Hank Hankinson, 1937

  • Max Baer, Myrna Loy, Primo Carnera 1932

    Carnera, Loy and Baer in The Prizefighter and the Lady

See Also

  • List of heavyweight boxing champions
  • List of select Jewish boxers
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Max Baer (boxer) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.