William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey , nicknamed "Kid Blackie", and "The Manassa Mauler", was an American professional boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. A cultural icon of the 1920s, Dempsey's aggressive fighting style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first million-dollar gate, and pioneered the live broadcast of sporting events in general, and boxing matches in particular.
Dempsey is ranked tenth on The Ring magazine's list of all-time heavyweights and seventh among its Top 100 Greatest Punchers, while in 1950 the Associated Press voted him as the greatest fighter of the past 50 years. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and was in the previous Boxing Hall of Fame. Wikipedia
“When you haven’t eaten for two days you’ll understand.”
Grantland Rice quoting Dempsey, Book of Boxing, page 299.
Context: When I was a young fellow I was knocked down plenty. I wanted to stay down, but I couldn’t. I had to collect the two dollars for winning or go hungry. I had to get up. I was one of those hungry fighters. You could have hit me on the chin with a sledgehammer for five dollars. When you haven’t eaten for two days you’ll understand.
Jack speaking to The Ring Magazine (May 1956)
“Honey, I just forgot to duck.”
To his wife on losing the world heavyweight title (September 23, 1926) - quoted by Ronald Reagan in 1981
“A champion is someone who gets up when he can't.”
Dempsey's definition of a champion. http://www.hennessysports.com/Article.asp?art=214
Trainer Ray Arcelhttp://coxscorner.tripod.com/jdempsey.html
