Jack Dempsey v Gene Tunney?

Question

Tunney beat the great Jack Dempsey twice but Jack was slightly past his best by then. If the fight had been between a prime Jack Dempsey (say from the Willard fight) and a prime Gene Tunney who would have won and how?

Answer 1

if an over the hill dempsey can muster an assault like he did in the battle of the long count, then he could do it in his prime.

but he would have to catch tunney first, and i believe he would, particularly if tunney got over confident like conn did against louis.

if jack doesn't stop tunney, then he will win a close decision instead.

Answer 2

Jack Dempsey would win. Even past his prime he was 1-1 against Gene Tunney. I always believe Tunney was down for the 10 count in their second fight, thus the controversy long count incident. In the first fight Jack was inactive soo long, he was rusty.

Answer 3

Dempsey

Answer 4

I have no doubt that this would have been a far more dangerous fight for Tunney especially against a Dempsey that was not suffering from ring rust.  When Dempsey fought Tunney the first time in 26, he had not had a real fight other than exhibitions in about 2 years for some reason.  Tunney was a very clever boxer and a sharp counter puncher with great ring footwork.  In their second fight of course known for the long count, Dempsey hit Tunney with a fast combo that sent him down to the canvas.  Could Dempsey have finished the job in his prime.  I think he could have.  Dempsey fought behind a crouching bob and weave style and threw fast and vicious punches.  I honestly believe because of his great boxing skills and footwork that Tunney would have always been a problem for Jack Dempsey.  I believe that it would have been a closer fight with both fighters at their absolute best.  Don't get me wrong, if Dempsey would have really caught Tunney he could have knocked him out but I really think that Tunney would outbox Dempsey and win a close but unanimous decision.