Rules: 20 x 20 ring 6-8oz gloves Neutral corner rule after a knockdown 15 rounds 1900-1910 style of referring, and scoring Blatant fouls give the victim of them 5 minutes to recover and after 2 warnings or fouls its a DQ You could say I like Dempsey in the early to mid rounds and Sullivan late. Dempsey was a bit of a front runner in terms of energy and punch output, Sullivan had better stamina in the later rounds. The pick or at least mine depends on how hard you think Sullivan hit, which given his competition level is hard to determine, and how durable you think Sullivan is, which is hard to decide on for the same reason. Whatever the variable is, it was considered top-notch vs. the mostly smaller and older men he fought. Dempsey, I think meet a better group of men in the prize ring, but he was also exposed a bit more, which includes some victories. An intriguing matchup. Best guess, Dempsey TKO Sullivan in 9 rounds, being floored himself.
Dempsey UD, knocks Sullivan down a few times early to steal the decision. Sullivan would make a comeback late but be unable to finish Dempsey
Its my understanding the neutral corner rule did not come in until 1916? We have to take most of Sullivan's aura of invincibility on trust. He does seem to have packed legitimate power in his right fist but, in reading accounts of his battles references to combinations are glaringly absent. Sullivan went further distances in fights but at what tempo were those fights conducted? In the fight in the mud with Mitchell,the Englishman dropped to the ground whenever he was in difficulties or required a rest. That would not be an option for him here. I don't think there was ever a heavyweight champion, prior to Dempsey who brought the same intensity and all out aggression into the ring,combine this with genuine two handed power,delivered at frantic speed[for the times,]and you have something of an unstoppable juggernaut.His bobbing and weaving would also be something quite alien to the, charge in behind the left hand and look for the opportunity to land your big right tactics of John L. I must pick Dempsey by tko around the 10th after the Strong Boy has shipped significant punishment.I think there is a good chance John Lawrence might get that fast thudding right hand home and emulate Firpo before the evening is over though.
Pure speculation on my end that Sullivan never met anyone close resembling Dempsey 's style or skill level with that modern bob an weave crouching style. Dempsey KO in 6 or less.
Very difficult to call. They seem to have had somewhat similar styles, the difference is that Dempsey is a fairly well known quantity from film, while Sullivan is not. They both fought out of a crouch, and their key assets were speed, power, and finishing ability. Dempsey has the edge in height and reach, but Sullivan has more lean weight. How do you even begin to separate them? You might be justified in calling it for Dempsey as the more known quantity, but obviously this is not ideal.
Probably similar to the radio computer bout that you can hear on youtube....they did a good job....best thing is the interviews with the heavyweight champions
Oh! good call!,, Dempsey is the popular pick,,,,but a prime Sullivan in 1900? this fight would more resemble an MMA brawl.
check out my avatar photo of a Solid looking sullivan, how he held his hands, Dempsey would destroy him!
Nobody can know for sure. All we do know is they fought similarly - ferocious quick two-fisted attack, trying to knock out their foes quickly, and both had the ability to do it. So would it be a fast-paced brutal war? Absolutely.
