The Washington times., 1921-06-15

What experience he had had in the
ring had been chiefly in the fistic
scullery. so to speak, as sparrtnS
partner for third raters. as q preliin-
mary fighter to second-raters, fguring
in cheap main events.
He had been punched and knocked
about until he was almost sick of the
whole business. He was morose end
suspicious. He had been cheated. ard
robbed, and dubbed around until he
trusted few persons. -
The next time / saw him was after
he had come on from four-round SEN
sation on the West coast to a recog-
nized heavyweight contender. He hal
gone down a long line of opponents,
clipping them over with few
punches until the fstic world watched
him with new interest.
HE SLAMMED FULTON.
Then he hit long Fred Fulton on
the chin in the first round, ending
the fight" before half the spec
and Jess willard, the heavyweight
title holder, was forced to recognize
his claims to a battle.
came in contact with Dempsey
more or less intimately from the
fact that / was writing the story
of his career, and the first thing
that struck me was the change in
his demeanor.
He no longer impressed me as
sulky. He was bright, and cheer
full, and so far from being sparlng
of speech as on the occasion of our
irst meeting, he was almost as
chatty as his old friend. "John the
Barber" who was now claiming
contracts, and the other binding
agreements with the new hstic SEN
sation, and bringing legal actions
against Dempsey.
The reason for the change in
Dempsey was quite obvious. He
had struck sunshine. He was no
longer a punching bag for brother
boxers but a fighter in his own
right The old hand to mouth days
we're behind him. He was making
money. His future was before him.
NOW HE LAUGHS.
He talked now of the days In
which he was still living when
first met him. in a reminiscent mood.
He laughed about his old adven-
lures. sure that he wouldn't have
to go though them again.
saw him again some time after
OF the world, and II was difficult to
believe that he was the same chap
met that night In Brooklyn when
qunboat Smith and blonde Frank
Moran were swinging ponderously at
each other.
1t was out in Los Angeles. Demp-
sey had now been champion long
enough to enjoy that good living,
and eat that best food that Dapper
Dan McKetrick cites as one reason
for mans mental and physical
Improvement.
Dempsey has been in moving pic
lures. He had come In contact with
educated, polished persons. He had
lived In good hotels. A chap as
young as Dempsey reflects his en-
vironment, The champion had ac-
quired polish. and ease Of manner.
especially In conversation.
WEARS GOOD CLOTHES.
He wore clothes made by the best
tailors he could find. did not recall
that suit he had on the night John,
the Barber" towed him around. At
one stage of his prosperity. Dempsey
affected a diamond ring and pin. Now
no jewelry appeared on his person
save a watch chain.
saw him the first time the very
day ! am writing this chapter. IL
was at his training quarters out at
Airport where he is making ready
for his battle with Carpenter.
A gathering of rather distinguished
persons was on hand. including n
State official and several theatrical
celebrities. male and female. Among
them Dempsey was perfectly at eass,
laughing and joking with them. mod
est when they spoke OF his own asii-
ity and deprecaiing what thsy said