Jack Johnson vs Jack Dempsey

I'll take Dempsey by KO within 5 here. I favor Dempsey over every pre-Marciano heavyweight.

Johnson's chin certainly cannot take peak Dempsey's explosive punching and Dempsey could control distance with speed and footwork so that Johnson couldn't grapple

 

I think Johnson would be able to tie up Dempsey and defuse his attacks,however many tried to do that and ended up on the canvas eating resin.
Dempsey would be at his most dangerous early on ,his speed into attack would have Johnson in jeopardy many times ,butJohnson was a master at nullifying such attacks .
There is no chance Johnson goes for broke here,he was always a very cautious performer and never what we now term "fan friendly" he would hold and clinch when Dempsey came close and the boos of the crowd would not bother him in the slightest.
I see Dempsey getting frustrated with the clinching and I believe Johnson would be the stronger man inside,I think the Mauler might well throw a few shots," south of the border," as he continually gets enveloped in Johnson's grip. Johnson would look to 'hold ,contain, and fire his uppercut inside, hoping to catch the crouching Dempsey.
Johnson would have to be sure he had split second timing here, because once he releases Dempsey's left arm to fire his uppercut up through the guard, he knows Dempsey will be looking to land his left hook on the momentarily unprotected right side of his head.
I think how this fight is refereed is crucial to its out come,If the third man allows Johnson his accustomed leeway in the clinches he probably cruises to a rather boring dec .If he continually breaks the clinches he doesnt necessarily do Dempsey any favours either because he liked to be inside, firing shots to heart and belly, but clean breaks would probably force Johnson to put out a higher work rate and fight at a pace he would not be comfortable with.I tentatively go with Johnson by decision, and by the time the fights over Dempsey will hate his guts!

 

Louis included?

 

Yeah

 

Don't be mislead by his clinching style, Johnson was very fast himself and his footwork was excellent.

 

Johnson by decision.

 

Let's be honest here. Johnson's clinching style worked well vs. short and light men, or vs. the old and tired.

It did not work vs. Moran, Battling Jim Johnson, or Willard, not did it work vs. a fleet-footed O'Brien.

On the other hand Dempsey's defense isn't very good on film, partly because the thins offense, but he's hit quite a bit when the other guy commits.

Best guess Johnson lands a few early counters then get Ko'd inside 6 rounds shortly after Dempsey lands his first solid right or left hook. Johnson's low punch output means he's in trouble. Dempsey is a good in-fighter who can be dirty if needed, so Johnson clinching might not be something he tries often.

Styles make fights: The swarmer usually beats the boxer when he has more power and the better chin. Dempsey also has a reach edge. Hand speed is about even.

 

Experts from that time generally chose Johnson to defeat Dempsey. A great boxer is the type fighter one would choose to defeat Dempsey and none were greater than Johnson. Great defense. wonderful jab. very difficult to hit cleanly.

 

It worked just fine against Moran.

 

Johnson beat Moran easily. Very well documented history.

 

Dempsey without hesitation

 

Johnson beat Moran convincingly at the age of 36 and whilst overweight.Johnson drew with Battling Jim while fighting under the handicap of a broken left arm ,Johnson had not fought for a year and a half.
At the age of 37 Johnson was in front after 25 rds against the giant Willard ,the referee stated had it been a 20 rds bout he would have awarded Johnson the decision.
Johnson beat plenty of tall men.Kaufman 6'1" ,Martin 6'4" Ferguson6'.3.5",Jeffords6'4",Kennedy 6'2".
Johnson may well lose to Dempsey ,but it won't be because he cant handle a 6'1" man!

 

Dempsey for me.

 

I agree with this, Also Dempsey is far more explosive with his punches , I can see Johnson frustrating Jack before he explodes a left hook off his jaw dropping him., Jack might go the distance but I doubt it