Boxing History: November 6, 1918
Jack Dempsey KO 3 Battling Levinsky, Philadelphia.
Levinsky estimated he had about 250 bouts to this point, including about 60 under name Barney Williams. He also claimed that although he had been knocked down about 25 times, he had never taken a ten-count prior to this bout.
Jack Dempsey—was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1919-26.
Nicknamed the “Manassa Mauler,” Dempsey ranked second only to Babe Ruth among the great American sports icons of the 1920s. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954, and many commentators still rank him among the ten greatest boxers of all time. Known for his ruthless, unbridled violence in a prizefight, Dempsey was renowned for his warmth, kindness and generosity outside of the ring.
He displayed a level of sportsmanship perhaps unrivaled in the history of the notoriously violent sport. Half-dazed and heartbroken after his loss to Tunney in the controversial “long count” match, Dempsey offered his opponent nothing but his earnest congratulations. “Lead me out there,” he said to his trainer because he could not walk straight. “I want to shake his hand.”
Famous quote: “Honey, I forgot to duck.”
—Jack Dempsey
