was Dempsey's self imposed semi retirement the worst in hw history?

Willards wasnt as bad because the war effected his ability to defend.

 

The title was frozen for a time during the war.

There were plans for him to defend but they were prevented due to public and govt pressure.

 

Corbett was even worse, he only defended in a farce v little, outclassed, old Mitchel and avoided Jackson,Goddard, Fitz, Maher, Slavin, Sharkey. He abdicated, retired and finally returned to lose to Fitz.

 

This convinces me not to engage here.

 

Dempsey fought 6 defenses, against 5 of his top ten challengers, took three years off, Corbett made two defenses in 7 years only one against a top 10 level fighter. Seems pretty clear to me that Corbett was much worse.

 

Actually I apologize to Corbett, he was champ for only 5 years, still **** though.

 

Basically about half of 1917 and all of 1918.

They tried to make fights but nothing ever got off the ground. A major reason given was that if Willard wasnt going to fight for the war effort he shouldnt be able to make money from fighting. Instead he toured with a circus and fought exhibitions.