“Let me tell you Jim’s ready. He’s in the best shape of his life.” Joe Gould was back at the top of his game again talking up reporters. Jim had arrived from Australia a few days before; he was well rested and ready to go. Missed all the cold weather, probably good given Jim’s history of arthritis. But he wasn’t going to mention that to the papers Oh no.

“Boy-o is doing fine just fine. His training camp was in an undisclosed location this time a round that’s right. Didn’t need anyone disturbing his training. He’s ready for Schmeling the question is, is Schmeling ready for him?” glancing over to where Jim was doing his warm up he knew a few things. Jim was ready for this fight, but he didn’t know how many more there would be after this one.

Jim informed Joe about the pregnancy a few days after the contract had been signed by proxy. With luck Jim could win the fight and be back to Australia before a new Braddock decided to make him or herself known. Jim had asked if there were any loopholes that would get him out of the fight. The only thing he could figure was on a medical basis and Jim was as fit as he’d ever seen him. So all was a go.

With flashes going off in volleys the room took on a nearly disco tech feel. “All that’s missing is the mirror ball…” Joe thought to himself. But then he was a master at throwing up smoke and mirrors, especially when it came to his fighter. No sense in not facing up to the fact Jim Braddock was aging. There was also the fact that Jimmy was starting over in his personal life. A new wife, baby and a home and business on the other side of the world most likely wouldn’t be understood by those who had followed his rise to Heavy Weight Champ.

“ Now we should let the Champ get in his workout.” Joe said as he began herding the photographers and reporters out of the gym. Returning a few minutes later he watched Jim’s concentration during his workout. “Let it all last a little longer…” he said under his breath.