Originally Posted by JCWeb
Dateline, Los Angeles, May 25, 1918 -- Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney once again are fighting on the same card, this time in LA on the undercard of a World LH Title Fight.
First of the two to step in the ring is Gene "Fighting Marine" Tunney. Now the #5 ranked LH, at 15-0, he takes on the former USBA LH champ, now #12 ranked Charles Grande, who has a 17-10-1 record. Tunney, although still at Pre-Prime, is expected to win #16 in a row.
First round, Grande swings and misses, then Tunney opens the action with a strong cross and then drives a hook home. Grande sticks out a left jab, then follows up with a hook. Tunney rips an uppercut and punishes his opponent with a hook to the head. Strong opening round for Gene Tunney.
Round two, both work the outside, Grande lands a lead right, Tunney slams home a right that lands on the nose, he follows with another right, traps Grande in a corner, pummeling him with a jolting uppercut. Grande is sporting a mouse under the right eye after another strong round for Tunney.
Round three, Tunney misses then lands a sharp combination as he moves inside for the kill. Grande takes a step back and hooks off his jab. Tunney follows with a jab of his own and then lands a strong uppercut. Grande is on the defensive as Gene flicks a right cross, then a jab to the chest. Grande is now helpless and the ref, Larry Hernandez, steps in to call a halt at 2:29 of the round.
Tunney by TKO 3 to run his record to 16-0 (13 KOs). His 736 pp are good for the #4 ranking amongst the LHs.
A few bouts later Dempsey steps into the ring in a rematch against the only man to go the distance with the Manassa Mauler, Ireland's Bartley Madden. Madden has only been stopped once, by Harry Wills in 1917 when Wills was en route to the WBA crown. Dempsey and Madden battled to a 10-round draw in late 1916, a bout that right now is the only blemish on Dempsey's record. The LA crowd is expected to provide a huge boost to Dempsey.
Round one, Madden lands a straight right. Dempsey is wild with a hook, but follows up with a quick uppercut. Madden doubles up with a jab, then follows with a three-punch combo that staggers the Manassa man, who is forced to cover up. Madden forces Dempsey against the ropes, flicks a few harmless jabs, a follow up right, then the bell sounds. Strong start by Madden, but Dempsey did well to avert further damage.
Second round sees both men willing to wage battle on the inside. Madden lands a three-punch combination; Dempsey connects with an uppercut. Madden lands a short hook. Dempsey fires away with the uppercut. Madden fires back with the jab. Dempsey connects with another uppercut. Madden lands another blow right before the bell in a great action round, which is fairly even according to most neutral observers.
Round three, this time it's Dempsey on the inside and Madden on the outside. Dempsey opens the action by connecting with a hard shot to the top of Madden's head. Maddden fires back with a couple of quick jabs, otherwise it's a quiet round.
Fourth round, Madden tries to work his way inside, but he makes himself an inviting target for a Dempsey jab, followed up by a crushing uppercut from the Manassa Man. Madden connects with a right to the chin of Dempsey. Dempsey connects with a solid cross right before the bell to take the round.
Round five, Dempsey is looking to put his man away. After an early flurry by Dempsey, Madden comes back to land a body shot but misses with a left. Dempsey fires back and lands a huge uppercut. Another round for Dempsey, who is ahead 49-46 on the unofficial cards.
Sixth round sees Dempsey pressuring Madden on the inside. Madden flicks the jab, is off target with a cross. Dempsey connects with a sweet uppercut that has Madden reeling. After having some difficulty getting on track, a late three-punch combo right before the bell solidifies Dempsey's lead.
Round seven, Madden tries his luck on the inside. Dempsey is fighting outside. Dempsey gets in first with the uppercut, followed by a straight right. Madden fires back with a jab that lacks sting. Another strong shot by Dempsey has Madden in trouble. Madden tries to back Dempsey into a corner, but Jack escapes and then connects with a big hook. Madden collapses to the canvas and is counted out.
Dempsey by KO 7 at 2:41 to avenge his one non-win from earlier in his career. He advances to 25-0-1 (25 KO), with 1123 pp, good enough to move up to #3 in the HW rankings. Madden drops to 22-5-3 (11), falling out of the Top 10 to #12.
Speculation of course is rampant about the identity of Dempsey's next opponent. WBA champ Harry Wills, ex-Champs McVey and Langford are all being discussed, as is a USBA title defense versus Billy Miske. Stay tuned...
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