Douglas daily dispatch., 1927-09-23

sooner he probably would nave been
able to regain his feet but he might
have pecn wobblier and an easier
target. AS it was he had the adj
vantage OF the few seconds added
rest, 81 chance to collect his faculties
and ward off Dempsey's attack.
The mightiest throng in tight or
sporting history, estimated at 10000
paid the ecord-smashing sum of
$2,800,000 to see the handsome ex-
marine weather the spectacular Chal-
lenge of the old mauler and to
defeat, as Convincingly if not as de-
cisively, the man from whom Gene
took the crown q year ago in the
rain at Philadelphia.
Victory unquestionably went to the
better man, the craftier boxer, the
faster and stronger fighter, but was
his only after the closest call he ever
has had.
The drama of Tunney's title de-
fenSe, stirring as was his decisive
finish was enacted principally in that
seventh round. For it was here that
the flashing old fighting spirit of
Dempsey, making his greatest bio,
came so close to accomplishing the
unprecedented.
Through the first half of the battle
Tunney had boxed cody and eau
tiously, shooting only when he saw
his target and shooting accurately
while Dempsey, always going in, found
himself brought up time after time
by Jolting rights to the head or smart
left jabs.
Once of twice Jack had lasIed out
with smashing body blows that hurt
the champion but there was little
warning of what was impending when
the former champion suddenly
launched vicious drive to the head
in the seventh round Perhaps Tun-
ney was off guard, for his foe had
aimed his attack previously at the
body But at any rate, Dempsey
connected solidly with series of
staggering smashes.
A right hand to the jaw sent Tun-
r1ey back tc the ropes, sagging at
the knees. He was on his way down
when a left hook clipped him and
completed the job.
Pandemonium was loose in the
vast arena Men and women scream
ed as Dempsey stood menacingly over
his fallen foe and then moved to
a corner.
Slowly the timekeper began his
count. 1t was inaudible, even TO those
in the first row of the ringside, but
it finally was made out by the form
Of the tjmekeepers mouth as he took
up the toll
"Six seven, eight, nine" it went
and there was "ten' it seemed on
the tinekeeper's lips as Gene slowly
crawled to his feet and backed off,
dazed and surprised look in his
eyes. This was new experience
for the champion. He had felt con-
fident of his defense but it had been
pierced by the tigerish attack of the
old Dempsey.
!. About the ring Tunney circled,
dancing and dodging to avoid another
such punching. Dempsey followed,
slowly, sure of himself. but seemingly
puzzled as how to ta-e. up the attack
again.
"Come on and fight" Jack beck
oned, stopping in his tracks and
dropping his gloves, as he looked dis
dainfully at the retreating figure of
the champion.
Finally Jack leaped in and lashed
Tunney about the head again but
now the champions head had cleared.
He was capable of taking care OF
himself again. Heed up the cflal-
lenger in clinch and the bell saved
him from further damage.
Come on Jack" the crowd yelled
as Dempsey, bobbing and weaving.
came out of his corner for the eighth
round Tunney, worked over fever
ishly. and freely administered to with
smelling salts between rounds, was
still cautious, wary against taking
further taste of Dempsey's dyna-
mite.
But Dempsey, it seemed, had shot
his big boit made his main bid for
, the title. -he fact that it had failed
seemed to sap something of the fury
of his spirit He seemed slower.
Regaining confidence, Tunney was
quick to seize the lead again. Before
the round was half over, Gene had
opened a cash over Jacks right eye.
Dempsey went to cne knee, par
TALLY slipping and partly from the
effect of right to the chin, but
he was up and back at his foe
without taking a count.
Tunney, the younger and stronger
of the two, kept up his fi''ish'''"
attack in the ninth and tenth rounds
frustrating any counter drive of
| consequence by Dempsey and directing
an accurate, Furnishing fire to the
head.
In the ninth, Dempsey's left eye
was severely cut. Blood streamed
down both sides of his face. He was
a cory figure, resembling the beaten
man now of year ago.
Throughout the tenth, Tunney
slashed and ripped his foe. Dempsey
landed one more right, a hard smash
to the head that sent Tunney back
to his heels, but it was only the wild
lunge of a fighter whose biggest guns
! had been spiked.
| Until the final bell separated them.
however, Dempsey kept plunging in.
His aggressiveness was gone, his
knees wobbled and his body sagged
! but he was fighter to the finish
But he was also as groggy battler
u,Ioo oUar ctoOd IN hic foot A1pnOct