"In world war I they said I was a coward. In world war II they said I was a hero. They were wrong both times" Jack Dempsey I think that Germany was Harry Wills on land, and Japan was Harry Wills at sea. Since Dempsey wqas in the coasguard, he was esentialy fighting in the naval theatre.
I don't know that wills really ducked him. That fight was never really offered. Dempsey and firpo certainly did. As did johnny Wilson for 2 or 3 years until he was forced. Al mccoy and levinsky to a decision, Delaney and berlenbach as well as mctigue, carpentier, and siki.