So..... According to this article, Jack Dempsey chose to face Ellis Bashara - The Purple Flash and then retire, instead of fighting Jack Johnson. Does this qualify as a duck?
The only thing I like about this, is that he seems to have always knocked out these wrestlers, who were trying to capitalize on his former reputation.
World Champs, particularly Heavyweights and pro wrestling have always had a relationship. Generally it was easy money in a worked environment, where the boxer comes out the hero. Pro wrestling did more for the likes of Louis and Carnera after each retired from their boxing career, that boxing did. So I do not feel sad; I am glad they were getting a pay day in the wrestling ring, that is a lot easier than stepping into the pro boxing ring.
Agree. This fight is similar to that ridiculous circus act in which Ali "fought" Antonio Inoki. Bizarre and sad spectacle....
The Dempsey/Cowboy fight was easy money for Jack. If Ali had put ego aside and 'worked' a 'fight' with Inoki, then it would have been another example of easy money. I do not feel sad when a fighter makes easy money on the pro wrestling circuit. I reckon they deserve it, for all the pain and sacrifices they go through to entertain us as boxers.
Yes but you are still seeing somebody who used to be the greatest fighter in the world, reduced to being a circus act.
You can, but perhaps not in the way, I was trying to describe. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/desolate?s=t Perhaps a more appropriate term would have been destitute...
Jack Dempsey looked wild and ragged against Cowboy Luttrell, which isn't a surprise considering the fact that he didn't have any real bouts since 1927. - Chuck Johnston