Could Jack Dempsey pick up a belt in the 80s?

He'd be doing more damage than cocaine.

 

I would pick him to beat Carlos DeLeon

 

I don't think he would, and Dempsey would be the first to tell you that. I've seen a lot of interviews he did throughout his retirement and he always kept it real about the changing landscape of the sport

 

At Cruiserweight? For sure.

 

Man...i don't know. He handled taller guys pretty well. Much taller guys!!!
I am relatively sure that the 1920 Dempsey would have had a chance against Berbick, Holmes, Witherspoon, Thomas...1:1 as he was at the time.
Without better training methods, nutrition etc. But of course he would not be a big favorite, especially against Holmes.

 

Absolutely. With his speed, power, footwork, head movement, conditioning, great chin, he'd beat plenty of belt holders.

 

I think so. His physical attributes were impressive.

 

Of course he could have.
Mediocrities like Tubbs, Page, Weaver, Smith, Dokes and Berbick picked up heavyweight belts in the 1980s.

 

You're kidding, of course. How hard is it to buy a belt these days?

 

He'd get out-athleted at times and his defensive weaknesses and front-running tendencies would cost him at times but he would be very dangerous at other times. He'd be a dangerous contender, flirting with the Top Ten.

 

Perhaps. Though if I were him, I'd avoid Tyson and Holmes like the plague, and try to work my way around them.

 

Hm- You must look at the people whom won the belts and ask yourself if Dempsey could beat them me personally I think it’s very likely considering the erratic changes the “lost generation” could seemingly go through over night.

 

Dempsey v Qawi at Cruiser ? That would have got the division a good name.