William Harrison `` Jack '' Dempsey ( `` The Manassa Mauler '' ) ( June 24 , 1895 - May 31 , 1983 ) was an American professional boxer and cultural icon of the 1920s .
William Harrison `` Jack '' Dempsey ( June 24 , 1895 - May 31 , 1983 ) was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title between 1919 and 1926 Known as `` The Manassa Mauler '' , Dempsey was a tremendous puncher famous for his exciting fights , many of which set financial and attendance records .