A Century of the Dempsey-Tunney Rivalry

Wednesday marks the 100th anniversary of the first encounter between heavyweights Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, who fought in Philadelphia on September 23, 1926, before 120,000 fans. As first reported by The Guardian, the rivalry stands as one of the most storied championship bouts in boxing history.

The matchup highlighted a stark contrast in personas. Dempsey was a charismatic fighter who described himself as a "hobo" and rose from a background of mining camps and extreme poverty. Sportswriter Paul Gallico described Dempsey as possessing a "bottomless well of cold fury" and noting that he fought without mercy or pity, relying on aggression rather than defensive boxing. Trainer Ray Arcel further likened Dempsey's style to that of a "saloon fighter."

Dempsey's rise to the championship began on July 4, 1919, in Toledo, Ohio, where he defeated Jess Willard. The Guardian notes that promoter Tex Rickard brought Willard back into the ring for that match by offering a $100,000 guarantee. Dempsey, weighing 187 lbs, overwhelmed the 245-lb Willard, breaking the champion's nose and jaw within three rounds.

Following his victory over Willard, Dempsey helped elevate the sport's profile. On July 2, 1921, he faced Georges Carpentier in Jersey City before more than 80,000 spectators. The Guardian notes that the live gate for that event reached $1,789,238—more than double the previous record—and became the first world championship bout broadcast live on the radio.