On This Day

Jack Dempsey

boxer

Born: Died: American

William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an American boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and was world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. He is ranked sixth on The Ring magazine's list of all-time heavyweights and fourth among its Top 100 Greatest Punchers, while in 1950 the Associated Press voted him as the greatest fighter of the past 50 years.

Dempsey was the inaugural winner of the Edward J. Neil Memorial Plaque in 1938, awarded by the Boxing Writers Association of Greater New York. Dempsey was an inaugural inductee of The Ring magazine Hall of Fame (1954), the World Boxing Hall of Fame (1980), and the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990). Considered one of the most iconic athletes of his era, Dempsey generated boxing's first million-dollar gate in 1921 against Georges Carpentier ($1,789,238), surpassing his own 1919 record of $452,522.10 set versus Jess Willard. He later drew the sport's first two-million-dollar gate in his 1927 rematch with Gene Tunney.

Notable For

American boxer

Jack Dempsey's Historical Timeline

  1. Nonpareil Jack Dempsey fights George Fulljames in what is possibly the first middleweight fight with boxing gloves

    Nonpareil Jack Dempsey fights George Fulljames in what is possibly the first middleweight fight with boxing gloves

  2. Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (21) weds Maxine Gates in Farmington, Utah

    Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (21) weds Maxine Gates in Farmington, Utah

  3. American world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey (23) divorces Maxine Gates after 2 years of marriage

    William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an American boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and was world heavyweight champion…

  4. Jack Dempsey beats Tommy Gibbons on points over 15 hard fought rounds in Shelby, Montana to retain world heavyweight box

    Jack Dempsey beats Tommy Gibbons on points over 15 hard fought rounds in Shelby, Montana to retain world heavyweight boxing title

  5. Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (29) weds actress Estelle Taylor (30)

    Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (29) weds actress Estelle Taylor (30)

  6. American heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (38) weds American Broadway singer and actress Hannah Williams (22); divo

    American heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (38) weds American Broadway singer and actress Hannah Williams (22); divorce in 1943

  7. Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (48) divorces broadway singer Hannah Williams (32) after 10 years of marriage

    William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an American boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and was world heavyweight champion...

  8. Jack Dempsey dies

    Jack Dempsey, American boxer, known for american boxer, died on 1983-05-31. William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an…

Associated Historical Events

Nonpareil Jack Dempsey fights George Fulljames in what is possibly the first middleweight fight with boxing gloves

Nonpareil Jack Dempsey fights George Fulljames in what is possibly the first middleweight fight with boxing gloves

Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (21) weds Maxine Gates in Farmington, Utah

Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (21) weds Maxine Gates in Farmington, Utah

American world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey (23) divorces Maxine Gates after 2 years of marriage

William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an American boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and was world heavyweight champion…

Jack Dempsey beats Tommy Gibbons on points over 15 hard fought rounds in Shelby, Montana to retain world heavyweight box

Jack Dempsey beats Tommy Gibbons on points over 15 hard fought rounds in Shelby, Montana to retain world heavyweight boxing title

Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (29) weds actress Estelle Taylor (30)

Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (29) weds actress Estelle Taylor (30)

American heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (38) weds American Broadway singer and actress Hannah Williams (22); divo

American heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (38) weds American Broadway singer and actress Hannah Williams (22); divorce in 1943

Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (48) divorces broadway singer Hannah Williams (32) after 10 years of marriage

William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an American boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and was world heavyweight champion...

death

Jack Dempsey dies

Jack Dempsey, American boxer, known for american boxer, died on 1983-05-31. William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an…

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Jack Dempsey born?
Jack Dempsey was born on 1895-05-31 (American).
What is Jack Dempsey known for?
American boxer
What historical events involved Jack Dempsey?
Jack Dempsey was involved in 8 recorded historical events, including Nonpareil Jack Dempsey fights George Fulljames in what is possibly the first middleweight fight with boxing gloves, Heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey (21) weds Maxine Gates in Farmington, Utah, American world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey (23) divorces Maxine Gates after 2 years of marriage.
When did Jack Dempsey die?
Jack Dempsey died on 1983-01-01.

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