Is it true that Dempsey chewed resin to strengthen his chin?

Yes, he did. In Dempsey's biography he mentioned chewing tree sap and pine gum to strengthen his jaw, then his brother would throw a hook to test how tough his jaw had become. Soaking his face in beef brine was to minimize the risk of cuts as it made his skin "as tough as leather" I think is how he phrased it.

John L Sullivan and other old school boxers used similar methods to strengthen the skin and jaw.

 

I can't find proof for this, but I can't find proof against it either. But I believe it is. Why? Well, because "old school" training methods are different, and completely unconventional. For example, athletes from the era of Jack Dempsey (and before) drank a glass of whiskey every few laps; and that was part of the training. Really; daily routine.

 

I've seen Jim Jeffries chewing gum in every video of him available. I'm guessing that before mouth guards were used boxers used gum to protect their mouths. Gum shields were used however from the 1890's until mouth guards began to be used in the 1920's.

 

I'm going to be the 10th person to confirm it, yes his brother advised him to, His brother feared Jack might be glass jawed famously like himself or another of the Dempsey siblings I forget, but I'll offer something else he did, let his brother hook him in the jaw every training session. If he could stand the shot he could try being a boxer- not as crazy as it sounds, unless your hoping to improve your chin. Quickest way to get rid of the fear of being hit is to be hit and realise it's not so bad and I think that was the intent. The resin might've been for his chin or for maybe just his mind.

 

Harold Johnson advised Ali do it for his sore jaw post spar.

 

I'm not sure- I have read Marvin Hagler had abnormally thick temporalis which are responsible partially for chewing as I understand. Maybe it does help? Or it does nothing- or it makes you think it does something and that can almost be just as valuable.

 

Beat me to it.

 

Tyson was even older school: he chewed on ears.

I knew a fighter who soaked his face in salt water to toughen his skin.

 

Every few LAPS?
Let's see that reference; that must be overstated.
They did many "laps" right?
If so, they would be dead drunk before-& if they could have-finished!

 

Yeah, I recall reading (eons ago) about the gum, brine etc. in Dempsey’s bio Massacre in the Sun.

The brother was Bernie who also boxed. In photos, Bernie appeared somewhat taller than Jack.

Another tidbit re Dempsey’s training, Bernie would hold up and move a broom stick handle around in order for Jack to try and hit it.

I love reading about old school training methods and the use of ordinary and easily accessed items in support of that training.

 

Maybe it's true but now I have no idea about this.