Classic Picture Gallery: Dempsey vs Willard (1919)

Here are some pretty awesome pics of Jack Dempsey's title fight against the giant Jess Willard.  Willard had long held the title since dethroning the legendary Jack Johnson in 1915.   As was customary at the time, Willard sat on the title as long as he could only officially defending once until he met Dempsey in 1919.

If you have not seen the fight, you should know that it is one of the most brutal, one-sided bouts in the history of the heavyweight championship.  Dempsey was much, much smaller than his giant rival, but completely dominated right from the outset.

Dempsey was ferocious in this fight.  He battered Willard to the canvas 7 times in the 1st round.

Willard was "saved" by the bell in the first round though everyone (including Dempsey who had left the ring) thought the fight was over.  Dempsey came back to finish the job by dominating the broken jawed Willard for two more rounds before his corner mercifully stopped it.

It's easy to find this fight on youtube.  I recommend anyone who loves the history of heavyweight boxing to watch it.  It's just something about these classic pictures that stirs me.

So here's to Jack Dempsey.  There are only about 5 men in the history of the division who I would say you could make a legitimate argument for being the best heavyweight ever.  Jack Dempsey is one of them.