Jack Dempsey
VERSUS
Gene Tunney
● LIVE_ARCHIVE
SEP 22, 1927
Historical Narrative
The $2.6 Million Gate
Held at Soldier Field in Chicago, this rematch shattered all financial records, drawing 104,943 fans and gate receipts of $2,658,660. The public was desperate to see if Dempsey could reclaim his crown from the “Scientific Boxer” Gene Tunney.
Tape Analysis
Height6′ 1″ / 6′ 0″
Weight189 lbs / 192 lbs
The Controversy
The Long Count
In Round 7, Dempsey landed a left hook that floored Tunney. But Dempsey, used to the old rules, hovered over him. Referee Dave Barry refused to start the count until Dempsey moved to a neutral corner. The delay gave Tunney approximately 14 seconds to recover.
Official Record
UD (10 Rounds)
Tunney rose at the count of “nine” (which was actually 14 seconds later), survived the round, and went on to knock Dempsey down in the 8th. Tunney won by unanimous decision, retiring as champion shortly after.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
The Full Fights
