Does the prime Manassa Mauler have the legs and athletic ability to close the distance and chop down Tunney? Or does Tunney's superior boxing ability that enabled him to win 19 of 20 rounds against a faded and rusty jack prevail?
I think a more explosive and dynamic Dempsey takes this. Although outboxed he did eventually catch up with Tunney and arguably stop him in their second fight. I think a prime Dempsey pressurises Tunney more intensely and catches up with him. It would still be tough though as Tunney had a great ring IQ and underrated power and it still wouldn’t be a surprise if he took a decision.
Look at the actual rematch that happened when Tunney was at his peak and a faded Dempsey had been able to get back in shape. Had that fight happened in 1919 Dempsey stands over Tunney and never gives him chance to recover. Tunney goes down in history as just another Dempsey victim by brutal stoppage.
Depend of the rules. If Dempsey has to go to the corner in the count then tunney survives and outbox him, under the willard/dempsey rules then Jack stops him.
I would make Dempsey a slight favorite even under the neutral corner rule. Dempsey's legs were gone by the time of those fights. Dempsey should be able to pressure him and win a close decision or possible late stoppage. I would not rule Tunney out though.
The fights speak for themselves imo.. 1919 Dempsey Ko's any version of Tunney.... He was so close to gettin there after his layoff , that with the extra speed bye bye Tunney
Tunney beats any version of Dempsey, plus there were only 2 years between them and Dempsey was 31 when they fought, it’s funny how people make out he was washed up
I would bet my money on Dempsey. Not saying that it would be easy, but his body of work is so much better. A lot of Tunney's legacy, turns on getting Dempsey at the right time.
IMHO, it's not even close. I'd pray that they make Tunney the favorite, or at least even money. Then I'd scrape together all the money I could bet, and put it on Dempsey to win! And I'd sleep like a baby, with a smile on my face, the night before the fight! It would be the largest bet I ever made. I might sprain my wrist counting my winnings afterwards. And then proceed to damage my liver in celebration. And if they decided on a rematch, I'd let it ride, even though Jack would be favored after they saw what he did to Gene in the last fight.
