Who was the first fighter to earn a million payday?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Scott Cork, Apr 28, 2021.


  1. Scott Cork

    Scott Cork Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Just saw Leonard earned 9 million against Duran in 1980 so it must be way back.
     
    Scott Cork, Apr 28, 2021
    Scott Cork, Apr 28, 2021
    #1
  2. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Tunney maybe, for the Dempsey rematch, 1927.
     
    Unforgiven, Apr 28, 2021
    Unforgiven, Apr 28, 2021
    #2
  3. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Liston and Patterson. Tunney fell short by about 9 grand so gave Rickard that much so he would give him a million dollar purse.
     
    JohnThomas1, Apr 28, 2021
    JohnThomas1, Apr 28, 2021
    #3
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  4. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Correct, didn't Tunney level up to the million because he wanted to see and frame the cheque for said amount. keep well.
     
    Mike Cannon, Apr 28, 2021
    Mike Cannon, Apr 28, 2021
    #4
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  5. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Wow, never knew Tunney earned that much. I always lived with the impression that Dempsey was the first boxer to get a million dollar purse, especially since he was more loved by the public.
     
    White Bomber, Apr 28, 2021
    White Bomber, Apr 28, 2021
    #5
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  6. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    It was probably Dempsey and not Tunney that generated the near million dollar purse.
     
    janitor, Apr 28, 2021
    janitor, Apr 28, 2021
    #6
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  7. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Absolutely.
     
    JohnThomas1, Apr 29, 2021
    JohnThomas1, Apr 29, 2021
    #7
    Mike Cannon likes this.