Jack Dempsey knocked out World War I hero in front of nearly 100,000 patrons in boxing’s first ‘Fight of the Century’

Jack Dempsey ran through Georges Carpentier in ‘Fight of the Century’ on July 2nd, 1921

Dempsey and Georges Carpentier clashed in a heavyweight championship bout at Boyle’s Thirty Acres, an outdoor arena located in Jersey City, New Jersey. It was promoted by Bernard Shaw, who claimed that Carpentier was the greatest boxer in the world, despite Dempsey’s proven track record.

When it was time to put on the gloves, Dempsey proved to be levels ahead of Carpentier in every aspect of boxing.

Carpentier had a brief moment of success in the second round as he wobbled Dempsey with a hard right hand midway through the round. But Dempsey rebounded in a big way with one reporter recollecting a 25-punch combination on Carpentier immediately after getting stunned.

Carpentier also broke his thumb after stunning Dempsey, impacting his pace and pressure for the remainder of the action. Dempsey took advantage of the opportunity by drowning Carpentier in Rounds 3 and 4.

In the fourth round, Dempsey secured the victory with a brutal knockout as Carpentier was unable to answer a 10-count from the presiding referee. Dempsey retained his NYSAC and NBA heavyweight titles in the victory.

Carpentier was considered a World War I hero in France before going all-in on his boxing career. He was a decorated French pilot and earned the Croix de Guerre and Médaille Militaire, two of the nation’s highest military honors.

Jack Dempsey went on to become a decorated World War II commander after boxing

Dempsey went on to retain his titles in wins over Tommy Gibbons and Luis Angel Firpo, before a decisive loss to Gene Tunney in September 1926. After knocking out Jack Sharkey at Yankee Stadium in what would be his final professional victory, Dempsey lost the Tunney rematch almost a full year after their first fight.

Dempsey retired from boxing after the Tunney rematch and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942, at the height of World War II. He was on board the attack ship USS Arthur Middleton during the United States’s Battle of Okinawa.

Dempsey received an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard Reserve in 1952 after he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and Commander during his tenure. He passed away in 1983 at age 87 due to heart failure.

Dempsey remains one of boxing’s most iconic combatants, and his legacy is still talked about today. Without his success, many of boxing’s top stars might’ve pursued other avenues instead of their excellence in the ring.