Jack Dempsey’s left hook was most dangerous when he could weave inside and plant his feet. Gene Tunney spent their September 23, 1926, fight making both steps difficult. In the rain at Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial Stadium, Tunney took the heavyweight championship by unanimous decision over ten rounds.
Dempsey had not defended the title since his 1923 knockout of Luis Firpo. Tunney had remained active and had already fought Harry Greb five times. The layoff invited questions about Dempsey’s timing, but Tunney gave him an immediate, practical problem: getting close enough to throw with full force.
Tunney watched Dempsey come forward and
