Pre- First Dempsey fight: References have been made over the years to a legendary sparring session between Heavyweight Champion to be Gene Tunney and former champ James J. Corbett, prior to Tunney's first fight with Jack Dempsey. A film was made of the meeting, but has not been seen for decades. Several years ago and a....... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMdot7QW9Mo
Wonderful footage. Real treasure. Tunney was very complimentary of Corbett. To me Tunney was more advanced the sport as whole moved forward but I still marvel at the shape and the quickness Corbett maintained as an older man.
Same here. Tunney was from the Benny Leonard School. Even Ali was impressed with him. It's a shame Tunney retired young. He could have had an even greater legacy Corbett's speed and quickness, even as an old man are impressive. While some make hold his technique against him, the very fast handed and footed fighters can get away with technical flaws. Corbett's head movement on film is also impressive.
