What if Tunney had been counted out in the Long Count fight?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by William Walker, Feb 12, 2021.


  1. William Walker

    William Walker Boxing Junkie Full Member

    7,901
    9,151
    Apr 9, 2020
    When I watched the Long Count, I agreed with Dempsey's claim that Tunney was down for 14 seconds. I counted and wound up at 14 myself. So what if the ref had just given Dempsey the KO?
    I really don't think Dempsey had looked good at all upon his comeback, although he did prove here he still had the power, but then again, it only manifested itself in the form of two big punches, one that KO'd Jack Sharkey, which was a KO earned on Sharkey's lack of awareness, and the second of course being when he dropped Tunney. But how would Dempsey have done? How much longer could he have lasted? Would he have to fight Tunney again? I'd like to think Dempsey could handle people like Tom Heeney and that level of contenders, but how would Dempsey have done against early 30s opposition? What if Dempsey rematched with Sharkey? What about bouts with Schmeling, Carnera, Braddock, and Baer? Here's how I would have them:
    Tunney III-Dempsey easily outboxed, probably even stopped
    Sharkey II-Dempsey beaten up badly, but Sharkey might back off and win a UD.
    Schmeling-Schemling stoppage win in the middle rounds
    Baer-stoppage win in the middle rounds
    Carnera and Braddock were actually horrible enough in the early 30s that I think Dempsey could have beaten them both. But who knows, maybe that's just fantasy working in my mind.

    Watcha guys think?