JD never fought anyone remotely in Ali's class. For likely the only time in his career he would not have a speed advantage. He had consistent lapses in defense where he got caught out of position or squared up. Ali would have a field day at those times. Jack would have better luck against a Terrell or Bugner or Chuvalo.
I'm not as smart as you guys, but I believe Jack Dempsey didn’t fight anything like Doug Jones, George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper or Oscar Bonavena, nor did the four boxers I named fight like each other.
I like Jack This Biofile was done on April 15, 1997 in New York City with Jack’s wife Deanna Dempsey. Funny Memory: “We met Muhammad Ali in San Juan, Puerto Rico after he beat Jean-Pierre Coopman in 1976. He was young and handsome and vital and so full of life. After the fight, as he was coming down the steps from the ring, Ali spotted Jack and he said, ‘Mr. Dempsey, can I call you Jack?’ Jack said, ‘Everybody calls me Jack.’ Then Muhammad said, Oh Jack, you were the greatest!’ And Jack said, ‘But Muhammad, I thought you always said YOU were the greatest?’ Ali said, ‘Jack. When I say I’m the greatest, it’s all bull****!’” https://mrbiofile.com/2020/12/06/biofile-jack-dempsey/
I never said that Dempsey fought like any of those. I merely stated he would do better against bigger, slower and/or less mobile opponents.
I didn't say you did. I was just remarking about the comparisons made in this thread. While I have your attention what do you know about Kevin Issac? He knocked down Larry Holmes. Crazy that escaped the gaze of ChatGPT. It said only Earnie and Mike knocked him down.
I think Dempsey gives him plenty of trouble and it could be a great fight but I’d favour Ali in his prime. I also think it could turn in to a stinker with Ali holding him , not that Jack would stand for it but people forget how strong Ali was.
Ali circa 1967--too fast--too much reach--and would outweigh Dempsey by roughly 25 pounds. That's too much to overcome--Ali dispatches Dempsey with relative ease--(UD or late stoppage.)
People are so obsessed with the legend of Ali that they forget he's only like 5'7 and 140 pounds. Sure, he's crazy fast, looks like he can handle himself, especially with the sticks on a chain but there's a reason you don't see a lot of Chinese heavyweight boxers making it big.
Just as if not more competitive than Ali vs Marciano, that's the thing Dempsey and Louis could present some problems for Ali at a bit more distance than Marciano or Frazier and still be just as dangerous up close
In my opinion Ali in his prime would have clearly beaten the best Dempsey. The Manassa Mauler's aggression, power, and determination would have found Clay's footwork, speed, jab, and perfect timing an insurmountable obstacle to overcome.
Specifically, the Doug Jones fight, & how much a near-prime Ali was troubled by the smaller, lighter Jones' combined handspeed & power. though tbf, Dempsey's rematch w/ Brennan can be used to make an equally compelling case to favor Ali over Dempsey. Still, I've always felt Dempsey had @ least the potential to be 1 of the most dangerous hypo matchups for Ali.