Who was the greater fighter out of Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey?

On the same tier for me, I have them both and Liston 11-13. I might say Johnson narrow IMO but to me this is a fair contrast.

 

Johnson has a much deeper resume, and I don't think that Dempsey has a prohibitive edge in quality of opposition.

I would have to say Johnson.

 

For me Jack Johnson. He was also World Colored Heavyweight Champion with 17 defenses.

 

Jack Dempsey.

Johnson was more of a pioneer. Though he was considered a master boxer of his era, his style wouldn't translate at all today. Johnson grabbed and held constantly. In many ways, he fought like John Ruiz. But he held even more than Ruiz did.

Ruiz began fighting that way to protect his weak chin. Who knows, if you took away Johnson's holding, he may have lost a lot more, too. Maybe he was doing it to protect a weakness, as well.

On the other hand, Dempsey's style works in any era. I'd go with him.

 

How'd you figure? He relied on grappling almost as much as Johnson did.

 

This is my reasoning as well. Head 2 Head and it's a clash to see who's style eventually triumphs.

 

None of this has any bearing on who was greater.

 

I rate Johnson ahead.

He has a deeper resume and better longevity and far more dominant as a top fighter.

 

I think Johnson pretty clearly.

Johnson and Burns basically cleared out the rest of the division between them (more so Johnson), then Johnson gave Burns a one sided beat down.

Dempsey at his peak failed to fight his two top contenders. And it's not even like he was in a deep era.

 

Dempsey by a clear margin. Jack was a pioneer and a more modern fighter than J.J.

 

Johnson was at a different level. I don't see any argument for Dempsey.

 

Both guys ducked their best competition as champion. Dempsey had far more speed, and power on offense. Johnson focused on clinching and defense, and did not hit very hard. I'd say Dempsey because he hit hard was the better of the two.

 

Jack Johnson