Sports Gallery

Jack Dempsey versus Georges Carpentier

William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey ("The Manassa Mauler") (June 24, 1895 May 31, 1983), American professional boxer and cultural icon of the 1920s. He held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Inset picture shows French boxer, who challenged Dempsey to the title in 1921. The Dempsey-Carpentier contest took place on July 2, 1921 at Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, generating the first million dollar gate in boxing history. A crowd of 91, 000 watched the fight. Though it was deemed "the Fight of the Century" and many people who didn't know much about boxing thought Carpentier had a chance to win, most experts anticipated a one-sided win for Dempsey, and they were right. Date: 1921

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Boxing at Wembley Stadium 1924 EPW011412

The first ever boxing match at Wembley Stadium, London on 9th August 1924. This was a light heavyweight contest between "Basking" Jack Bloomfield and Tommy Gibbons. The undercard included a heavyweight contest between Phil Scott and Andre Anderson (won by Scott). Bloomfield, from Islington had been British Light Heavyweight champion since 1922, shortly after moving up from Middleweight. Gibbons, from Minnesota, had recently lost the World Heavyweight title to Jack Dempsey in 1923. Although he was coming towards the end of his career he was still a formidable opponent, losing only four times in over a hundred bouts. Gibbons won by a knockout in the third round and Bloomfield never fought again. Gibbons retired the following year after his fourth defeat. The promoter was bankrupted after struggling to meet Gibbons financial demands. Aerofilms Collection (see Links)

© Historic England

Portrait Dempsey

Date unknown: American Heavyweight, Jack Dempsey. Became World Champion in 1919 by stopping Jess Willard in three rounds at Toledo, Ohio . Dempsey so outfought Willard he floored him seven times in the first round . Even though he was giving up three stone in weight to the Kansa Cowboy the Manassa Mauler battered Willard with a fearsome display of power. Mandatory Credit: Allsport Hulton/Archive