Dempsey loaded gloves

I concur with those who conclude that this article blows the plaster-of-paris and bolt theories out of the water. I was always suspicious that Willard's injuries were quite as bad as stated. It sounded more like he was trampled by an elephant than in a boxing match, so I am not at all surprised there was a great deal of exaggeration.

The only real area of suspicion which withstands scrutiny is Kearn's crazy bet and I do think it was crazy. Sure, Dempsey was a ferocious slugger, but Miske twice, Meehan, Brennan, and even a washed up Gunboat Smith got past the first round with him. Why would Kearns assume the rugged Willard could be blown out so quickly?

Still, with all other "evidence" discredited, I think the most likely explanation for the bet is that Kearns got ahold of some bad moonshine.

 

I agree. The fact that the injuries were not nearly as bad as legend has it takes a lot of wind out of the sails of the loaded gloves theory.

 

Kearns knew Dempsey was at his peak and made to destroy Wilard

 

Alot Of The Medical Reports About Willard Were Exadreaded ,he Was Busted Up But Not As Bad As Reported ,also Alot Of Dempseys Opponents Would Have Been Hurt This Bad If They Could Have Gotten Up Over And Over Like Willard

 

Its a rumor started by Kearns to get back at Dempsey thats all.

 

I find it highly unlikely.....if you take a piece of metal rod or something similar and place it in your fist to punch you would severely hurt your hands......and there is nowhere to put it in a glove without breaking your hand,so i find it highly unlikely

 

I have no proof but somehow at the back of my mind I seem to believe Willard.

If I watch the Dempsey-Willard fight, Dempsey's punches were sideways swings, kinda like slaps only with fist clinched. Those types of puches can only be so hard because they don't get the full weight of the body behind.

 

I can't believe some people still think it's true after that article was posted. Pretty conclusive if you ask me, the gloves weren't loaded, Dempsey just went all out and Willard was tough enough to take an ungodly amount of punishment without getting knocked out like most would.

 

Willard was disoriented in the first round, much like Patterson against Ingo. Over the next two rounds Dempsey caused a lot of damage by throwing elbows. I believe it's the elbows that really busted Jess up.