Does anyone still have Dempsey as a top ten heavy? Top 15?

I used to have him in my top 10 on the back end. 15 years ago or so. But his title run was too sparse for me to keep him there. Too much inactivity. And not fighting Wills or Greb stings. He missed both.
His run up to Willard though he appeared to be a force of nature. And he looks quite good on film. Even in a rough around the edges way. You can see the spring in his legs the aggressiveness he has the “IT” factor. He’s such an iconic figure and really propelled the sport forward I can still make him into the top 15 but not top 10.

 

He technically wasn’t a “color line fighter “ from what I’ve been lead to understand he wanted to fight wills and wills declined

 

I prefer to rate Dempsey in his era. A flawed fighter on defense with good but not very good or great chin, his stamina seems to drop off by the mid rounds. But he has great speed and power. Fun to watch. He didn't fight Wills or Greb, though ( Probably would win both ) and badly lost to Tunney who I think would decision him at his best that effects his resume big time. Top 15 on accomplishments vs ring rated opponents ( which pre dates part if his tenure ) . Head to head top 15 for now, with a touch of favoritism.

These heavyweight in the game today are 2-3 weights classes above Dempsey and much more skilled than in comparison to the past so maybe it best to rate him in the 180-210 pound category at least in a head to head sense. The 6'1" 184-195 pound heavyweights with only a 73" reach are a thing of the past. There has not been a really good one like that with those dimensions in at least 30 years. And I'll leave it at that.

 

He still makes my top ten.Having watched a few rounds of that debacle last night Fury v Chisora,I couldnt stand more than 3 rounds He looks better than ever.

 

It depends on the criteria. Purely on boxing achievements no I wouldn't. As far as his importance to boxing and impact he has to be a the list somewhere. He changed how boxers fought, the sport was better for it, more appealing, more exciting.

 

Wills didn't want a shot at the title?

 

Dempsey makes my Top-15 (#12). But, I'm kinda with you on the Fury/Chisora display.

 

The IBRO poll had him at #3 as recently as 2019.

 

Perfect.

 

I can't find anything to support that guy's claim. Wills signed to fight Dempsey and sued him twice over it not happening.

 

Agree 100% I have Dempsey solidly rated. As for that debacle last night, how did they get sooo many people to pay for such a glorified sparring match. Matching prime Dempsey with that Fury would be like throwing a mountain lion on Lassie .

 

He's #14 for me, 1 spot behind Wills.

 

Would you care to show the list or send it to me via private message?