I think Holmes could give Dempsey a lot of problems, but I suspect that Jack would get to him eventually.
I think it is a very interesting fight .. Dmpsey's speed and power would make him very dangerous .. based n what I have seen of both I have to go with Larry decisioning him but this is where not knowing how gray Dempsey might have been hurts his legacy to me ..
Holmes is a stayer -- exactly the kind of fighter you want against a banger. He could have some shaky moments but he'll be there at the end and he'll be ahead on points. Man, if that Shavers punch didn't knock him out Dempsey wont either. Granted, Dempsey is a better finisher, but that was the best punch Shavers had.
Stylistically this should favour Dempsey. Larry is a very good puncher, he's a very good boxer as well, but his work when he is being backed up leaves a little to be desired. Jack won't give him time to get himself set, which is why people should think twice about picking Larry here. Demspey by late stoppage is my choice, failing that Holmes with a close one on the cards.
Holmes has every conceivable advantage it seems bar Power but none of those advantages were particularly good enough to ever right off a decent opponent (except his jab of course) I could see this easily being a close, rough affair but my head says it ends up being a comfortable decision for Holmes world class jab plus size advantage= 90% chance of victory, 10 % just don't get KO'd
These are pretty much my thoughts. Holmes is NOT getting KO'd. Holmes is too stubborn and skilled to get KO'd. If someone is beating Dempsey, it's Holmes and a few others.
I suspect you don't really understand how good Holmes was and how untested Dempsey was allowed to be.
Holmes skipped a lot more test than Dempsey did and even though it was different day Dempsey fought who they put in front of him and even when his legs were done he dropped Tunney for the long count and took out Sharkey.....an active Dempsey would have had more of a resume but he was the most dangerous heavyweight of the day and until Joe Louis