BAER, MAX

born Feb. 11, 1909, Omaha, Neb., U.S. died Nov. 21, 1959, Hollywood, Calif. byname of Maximilian Adelbert Baer American professional boxer who won the world's 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, N.Y., 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 (192941) he won 65 of 79 fights, 50 of them by knockouts, and was considered one of the hardest right-hand punchers in boxing history. After his retirement from the ring, he appeared in films and on television.