Why Is Jack Dempsey Important In The 1920s

Boxing in the 1920’s? You better believe it! Jack Dempsey was considered one of the very best in the sport of boxing. He possessed the aggression of a grizzly bear in the ring but the gentle spirit of a teddy bear outside the ring. This drew him into the hearts of many. Due to his extreme popularity he opened the door to public radio. For these reasons, Jack Dempsey was influential to the 1920’s and even to this very day. William Harrison Dempsey, better known as Jack Dempsey, was born on June 24, 1895. He was born in Colorado but became a “nomadic traveler” when he began his boxing career in the small rickety towns of his home state (“Biography”). At the age of sixteen, Dempsey started training to box. To support himself and his dream,

In his fight against Jess Willard, former champion, Dempsey knocked him down seven times within three minutes (Smith). This was the boxing match that began Dempsey’s reign as heavy weight champion of the world (Hadden 161). After the fight he earned the nick name “Manassa Mauler.” Later he gave Gene Tunney a chance at the title but little did he know that this decision would cost him. In Philadelphia on September 23, 1926, the title fight marked the highest paid attendance in the history of boxing. This fight was known as “The Battle of the Long Count” (“Biography”). It was in the seventh round that Dempsey knocked down Tunney, but the referee delayed counting approximately five seconds while waiting for Dempsey to return to his neutral corner. Tunney got up at the count of nine but many felt that he was down for a count of fourteen and Dempsey should have been declared the winner (“Fast Facts”). Tunney ended up winning the fight after three more rounds (“Biography”). To this day several people continue the debate of whether Tunney or Dempsey won this extremely important match (Hadden 162). Dempsey was no longer the champion. A year later he felt he was fully prepared for a rematch but was defeated once again by Tunney. Dempsey retired thirteen years later in 1940 and became a successful restaurant owner

He was a people person. He had been number one in the ring but now remained number one in their hearts. He may have lost his belt but to everyone he was still the champion (Smith). It seemed that Dempsey’s spirit of humility remained in the memories of many. In his New York restaurant he often waited to greet each guest personally as they walked through the door. He took photos with customers and signed menus. When he autographed he would write a personal note and include the fan’s name. Even when a drunk would come in trying to start a riot, Dempsey would show his gentle side. After all, he never hurt people unless they were in the ring. Even after losing his title to Gene Tunney, Dempsey told his trainer, “Lead me out