This iconic fight took place July 2nd, 1921 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Jack Dempsey came in 20 pounds heavier than competitor Georges Carpentier which was seen as a massive advantage. Early in the fight, Carpentier landed a solid right hand to Dempsey in round 2 that dazed Dempsey a little. However, Dempsey managed to recuperate and began dominating the fight come round 3.
The fight ended at 1 minute and 16 seconds of round four, when Dempsey knocked Carpentier out with a right hook to retain the world title. This fight was considered extremely entertaining, however, the aftermath of the fight is what people remember the most.
The Jack Dempsey versus Georges Carpentier bout was the first ever boxing fight to produce $1,000,000 dollars in revenue, or a “million dollar gate” at a then record of $1,789,238. It was also the first fight to allow women to attend in person.
Dempsey kept the Heavyweight title until he lost it in 1926 to Gene Tunney on points after ten rounds. In 1927, he attempted to regain it from Tunney in what became known as The Long Count Fight, but again lost by ten rounds decision. He retired after that fight and operated a restaurant in New York, later dying in 1983 at age 87.
Carpentier fought twelve more times, going 7-4-1 during that span. One of those bouts was a fifteenth round knockout defeat at the hands of Tunney. He became an actor in France, participating in eight feature films.
Both fighters are now members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
© 2015 Everlast Worldwide, Inc.
Comments