101 years ago

Date: 14th September 1923

Venue: Polo Grounds, New York

Title: NYSAC World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Tex Rickard

Tv: Cinematic Film

Jack Dempsey
( 56 - 4 - 9 )
Weight: 192½ lbs

Luis Angel Firpo
( 25 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 216½ lbs

On September 14, 1923, at the Polo Grounds in New York, an unprecedented world heavyweight title bout was held that would be imprinted in the annals of the sport. In his 5th title defense, Jack Dempsey, with a record of 56-4-9, and in front of over 80,000 enthusiastic fans fought the most exciting bout of his storied career. Dempsey, hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, and weighing 192½ lbs, faced off against Luis Angel Firpo of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who was heavier at 216½ lbs, with a record of 25-2-0.

Under the promotion of Tex Rickard, and refereed by Johnny Gallagher, the event saw Dempsey defending his title against the bigger and stronger Argentine. Despite an enticing offer from Long Island City promoter Simon Flaherty for Dempsey to defend the title against African-American contender Harry Wills, it was Jack Kearns, Dempsey's manager, who decided on Firpo as the opponent. This decision had financial implications as well, with the match generating a total gate of $1.25 million. Of this, Dempsey pocketed $468,750, while Firpo earned $156,250.

The match between these heavyweight titans unfolded into one of the most violent and shortest battles in the history of heavyweight boxing. In the first round, Firpo was brought to the canvas seven times, displaying Dempsey's remarkable hitting power. But Firpo managed to land a powerful right, sending Dempsey through the ropes. The champion returned to the ring just as the count reached nine, clearly shaken by the ferocity of Firpo's punch.

The second round commenced with Firpo's sluggish right punch unable to reach Dempsey. Dempsey, demonstrating an impressive show of strength and strategy, successfully downed Firpo twice in this round. The first knockdown had Firpo quickly on his feet, but the second one led to a count of five. Firpo rose again, but Dempsey's unforgiving left to the jaw, followed by a powerful right, finally brought the contender down. Firpo lay on the mat, slightly bleeding from the mouth, unable to rise as the referee counted him out.

Dempsey's victory came at 0:57 in the second round, a win by knockout. Despite his victory, Dempsey acknowledged Firpo's strength and tenacity, stating post-match, "He is game and the hardest puncher I ever faced. It was the first time I was knocked down since I became champion and I'll never forget it... I didn't even know he had knocked me out of the ring until I came to on my stool between rounds. I thought I had been knocked out."