Definitely Jack Sharkey. Although I had Sharkey up 5 rounds to 1, and thought Dempsey hit him low, it was controversial in my eyes. Sharkey was a very good fighter though and in his prime, this is by far his best win After that you have Jess Willard? Who was 37 years old and had not fought in over 3 years Tommy Gibbons? Whom lost 9 rounds to 1 to Harry Greb or Fred Fulton? Whom was knocked out in 3 rounds by Harry Wills
So, which of those guys beats Ruddock, Holy, Morrison, Mercer, Golota, Tucker, Vitali, Tua... even old ass Tyson?
Most likely Zero. A prime Jack Sharkey has a decent chance at defeating golota, 2002 version of Mike Tyson, and Tommy Morrison. The rest have no chance. Then again, Dempsey didn't exactly defeat Sharkey cleanly, and got dominated by him at times Broadcaster Graham McNamee told radio listeners that Dempsey was "groggy" and appeared to be "going" after a Sharkey barrage in the first, the third, and again in the sixth. James Dawson of the New York Times reported that Sharkey had "badly outboxed Dempsey," leaving the former champion to "flounder around the ring, flat-footed, bewildered, and staggering like a blind man finding his way." Harvey Woodruff of the Chicago Tribune considered Dempsey "finished" in the fourth and a "gory sight."
tough pick in reality, prime for prime both men were dangerous, Lewis had size and a great offense but was KO'd by lesser men than Dempsey and Dempsey never fought a offensive beast like Lewis...unless Lewis decides to box, Jack would meet him in ring center and throw...Jack had the edge in speed, Lewis in size...KO in 3 but who wins
Once again and please watch the last round of the fight before you comment..regarding Dempsey vs Sharkey..the three punches prior to the Ko blow were not low. Belt line is an imaginary line joining the hip bones and this line determines whether a blow was low. None of those three punches were below that line. Sharkey said comment in later years that "when Dempsey hits you in the body it feels as if it comes out your back" is telling. Sharkey was pulverized by these body blows. Several other points are that a doctor examined sharkey said after the bout and saw no signs of low blows. The ref stated that the three blows prior to the Ko were not low and he was adamant about it. Finally you can find headlines a week or so after the bout. "Films of fight show body blows were legal".
Lennox KO1 within 30 seconds, not just 70 pounds heavier but P4P a far better boxer and bigger hitter
Abdolute primes (which I do not consider vs. Willard, he was soon exhausted by the attack & Willard was very soft & long inactive & older) it was not a 70 lb. weigh differential. That is an exaggeration. Which most all do betraying bias to their cause, but when things are inaccurate, it undermines their cause. However: I agree with the too big, strong & skilled idea. That is not overstated. it would be a RARE huge stylistic advantage that would grant a victory by a dramatically smaller ATG over ANOTHER undeninable ATG who is a SHW.
yea but that was in the early days and remember Jack only had those gold mining fights and the pro ranks were the equivalent to amateur boxing, Tunney had those Marine fights. Prime Dempsey rarely got bit without biting back, there would be some exchanges here and possibly more than one KD and if the fight goes past 5 rds who do we favor? not an easy pick here for me
Prime Dempsey had great skills. Arcel who watched Dempsey train and fight live and in person felt That prime Duran was the "closest thing he ever saw to Jack Dempsey." We all know how great Duran was and we all know the greatness of Arcel as an all time trainer. Dempsey was some great fighter and this cannot be discounted.
Why is it that fans of Marciano are also uber fans of Dempsey and Jerry Quarry? Is it a stylistic thing?
