I have my doubts that this is 1921. The Great Mississippi Flood was in 1927. Can't find anything on the Internet about a flood there in 1921. Dempsey's nose looks pretty straight. When did he have it fixed? I'll leave it to you bird dogs to double check me.
Clear footage for once !! Dempsey wrestling here a little also........which he was good at.....king of the ring !
Definitely an older Dempsey. Look how full his face is. When hes in the ring you can notice the absence of the constant low crouch and light quick footwork as seen in the sparring with Bill Tate. Everything about him looks different. One thing I've always noticed the minute he gets in that ring you can tell he just relishes combat! Even in the clips where hes long retired once hes gloved up he goes right after you.
Looks like an exhibition as much as anything; the banner on the ring reads, "Mississippi Flood Benefit - Headline Attraction Jack Dempsey" ... at :30 he tags the guy with a quick rabbit punch, and at 1:08 or so, he's grappling with a wrestler (no gloves on either man). I can see this as one of those things where the local guys get a chance for a few rounds with the champ, then hanging on for dear life when they actually have to deal with his onslaught; he took it seriously, but I'm guessing not as seriously as if he were training for a bout.
I assume it's his exhibition in aid of flood victims on May 8, 1927. He boxed Tony Fuente and Benny Hill, then wrestled with George Kotsonaros. It was a big deal at the time as he hadn't been seen in the ring since losing the title.
When asked by Bill Gallo about the best heavyweights hes seen Sharkey related "dempsey was the best because he was a REAL fighter. And if he hit you on the shoulder he could dislocate it." 1 986
Observations: Looks like an exhibition. That tomahawk chop rabbit punch at :26 is a thing of beauty. I know of people who have been shot for less. These are schlubs he is facing and he looks like he is trying to take it easy (very un-Dempsey like) Was there an unwritten rule in the 20's not to counter body punches?
Boxing hall of fame is releasing some great footage.....there is also Louisa training and a tremendous line up of ex champs at Sunnyside gardens ...the charismatic walker to lamatta to pep and saddler and many more