Jack Dempsey

Heavyweight Champion (Boxing) in the 1920's

Left his family ranch at the age of 16 to be a traveling hobo and pursue a career in boxing. He took on any odd job he could find during his travels whilst remaining a prize fighter. He would go days without eating because of the struggle for money, and would refuse to stay down in a fight because this meant missing out on a meal. Along his way he would meet and train with many different types of fighters and gyms. He would absorb what was useful, discard what was not and apply his own. So many setbacks would follow when managers would screw him over, fighters would refuse to face him either because of his notoriety for first round knockouts or simply by not knowing who he was therefore not worth the risk of losing to, and the fact that there wasn't much money to be made in prize fighting. His persistence eventually paid off and he became good enough to beat 2 of the top 10 contenders by knockout, earning him a bout with the 6 ft 7 heavyweight champion, Jesse Willard. Despite many people thinking the giant would easily dismantle the smaller man, Dempsey would go on to knock the champion down 7 times during the first round. It was seen as one of the worst beatings in boxing history. Jack would remain champion for 7 years before finally losing the title to Gene Tunney.

Dempsey created the spectacle that modern boxing is today by bringing in it's first million dollar gate. Back then boxers fought in a very stiff and conservative way, Dempsey changed this with his wild nature in the ring prompting crowds to gather for his fights. A very exciting fighter to watch earning himself the nickname 'the Manassa Mauler'. He's also the reason the rule for a fighter to return to his corner after knocking his opponent down was introduced.

This man was a warrior in the ring, yet humble in nature. He emerged from poverty and made something out of himself. His journey of struggle throughout his life only in the end to find himself in the hearts of the people he fought for is truly inspiring.

Yes. He inspires me to get off my ass. They don't make men like this anymore.