This Tuesday was the 98th anniversary of the heavyweight title fight between Jack Dempsey and George Carpentier, which represented the first sanctioning of a world title in history. The bout was sanctioned by the National Boxing Association (NBA), which later became the World Boxing Association (WBA). Back on July 2, 1921, Dempsey scored a knockout in the fourth round and earned the right to claim the first sanctioned belt. The WBA takes great pride that Jack Dempsey is at the head of the list of great fighters who have worn the black and gold belt through the years.
To clear up any confusion: Prior to Dempsey-Carpentier, there were nine fighters recognized by public acclamation as heavyweight champion. 1) John L. Sullivan, 2) James J. Corbett, 3) Bob Fitzsimmons, 4) James J. Jeffries, 5) Marvin Hart, 6) Tommy Burns, 7) Jack Johnson, 8) Jess Willard, and 9) Jack Dempsey. Dempsey-Carpentier was the first world title fight to be sanctioned by a sanctioning organization.
Where did the fight take place??
Jersey City, New Jersey.
I understand that the WBA is still trying to collect sanctioning fees from Cain vs Abel, if they can locate their relatives.
I had to literally laugh out loud. Top comment mate.
Come on, Dempsey won the title from Willard in 1919, plain and simple. Please don’t shill for the WBA. The Carpentier fight had nothing to do with Dempsey becoming champ.