Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-09-22
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to prove that the Philadelphia victory was no fiuke
and to cash in on his newly won title while the
boom times were booming. Gene did so by demand
ing million dollars to defend the crown. Actually,
he settled for a next-door figure $990.0OO while
Dempsey signed for $45OOO0- all-time records for
champion and challenger
Two months before the return match, Dempsey
Signaled his comeback by knocking out the rugged
young Boston heavyweight, Jack Sharkey. in Yam
kee Stadium. 1t rough fight, marred by claims
of foul from Sharkey, but it proved the Old Mauler
was back in punching form
DempSey's stock rose as he went into training
at Chicago He was not only sentimental favorite.
but 6-to-5 choice among gamblers.
There was no doubt Dempsey, at 50, was in
much better condition than at Philadelphia-or
that his best chance to regain the title rested IN
his ability to land knockout punch There was
equally no question that Tunney had again
achieved a fine fighting edge and was superbly
confident
1t was the old story Of dynamic slugger versus
maSterful boxer Oddly, in assessing the prospects.
there was much expert speculation that the seventh
round would be the turning point of this 1O-round
match-and that's Just what happened.
For six rounds, Tunney held the upper hand.
As previously he relied speed, boxing skill, and
contemplating Dempsey, tanned and alert, was
the aggressor. He fought from his familiar crouch,
weaving slowly and laShing out when he saw an
opening. He was no match for Tunney at close
Then came the seventh Dempsey crowded
Tunney against the ropes, caught the champion
suddenly bit of guard, and crashed right to the
Jaw Unable to maneuver, Tunney tried to clinch,
but Dempsey was quick to seize his advantage. He
landed a hard left hook, then short right that
blasted Tunneyis chin. As the champions legs
buckled and he started to fall Dempsey kept punch
ing at his crumpling target
It looked like the end. Tunney's eyes were
closed as he dropped to the canvas Instinctively,
he reached out and grasped the second strand of
rope to keep from falling fiat
Pandemonium broke loose as 10000 fans leaped
to their feet yelling for the kill" 1t had the old
primeVal effect Dempsey, too. for he lowered
menacingly over his fallen foe and at first ignored
Referee Dave Barrys insistence that he go to the
farthest neutral corner.
Five fateful seconds elapsed before Dempsey
obeyed the referees instructions, based on a rule
that had been spelled out for both fighters in adj
vance. Thus when Barry began the count at zone"
it was actually six" from the moment Of the knock
down. When Tunney arose at the count Of mine"
taking full advantage of the chance to recover from
the punishment, he had the benefit Of the Tong
count" of IA seconds.
In ring parlance, Tunney got on his bicycle
and back-pedaled" to keep out Of the plunging
Dempsey's reach. 1t was the smart thing to do Any
other tactic could have been disastrous.
But the vast crowd yelled derisively, and Demp-
sey frustrated, stopped in midring, gestured. and
growled: Quit your running; come on and fight"
It was a challenge that had popular appeal but not
Tn the man intent on clearing his head keeping his