Nickname: “The Manassa Mauler”
Birthplace: Manassa, Colorado, USA
Weight Class: Heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 61 – 6 – 9 (50 KOs)
Years Active: 1914 – 1927

Biography

Jack Dempsey was boxing’s first global superstar — a ferocious, crowd-pleasing brawler whose punching power captivated the Roaring Twenties. After years of hardship, he captured the World Heavyweight Title in 1919 by destroying Jess Willard, ushering in a new era of mass-media sports fame.

Dempsey defended his crown in a series of historic events, including the million-dollar gate against Georges Carpentier (1921). His raw aggression and knockout style transformed boxing into America’s premier spectator sport and made him an icon of toughness and charisma.

Jack Dempsey in the Hobby

Dempsey’s cards are among the earliest true mass-produced boxing collectibles, spanning both pre- and post-WWI eras.

Rookie & Early Issues

1919 – Felix Potin Chocolates (France): Believed to be his earliest appearance; rare European confectionery issue.
1921 – Exhibit Supply Co. (USA): Often considered Dempsey’s definitive rookie; large sepia photo distributed in penny arcades.
1922 – W515 Strip Card Series (USA): Hand-drawn, widely circulated during his title reign.
1923 – Ogden’s Cigarettes (UK): Classic tobacco issue distributed globally.

Registry Metadata

Earliest Issue: 1919 Felix Potin (France)
Rookie Year: 1919
Key Sets: 1919 Felix Potin, 1921 Exhibit, 1922 W515, 1923 Ogden’s
Grading Rarity: 1919 Felix Potin PSA pop < 15; Exhibit cards PSA pop ≈ 45
Recent Notable Sales: 1919 Felix Potin (PSA 3) — $5,200 (2024)

Legacy

Dempsey’s ferocity and fame defined an era. He was the prototype of the modern sports celebrity — dangerous, charismatic, and beloved. His 1921 Exhibit rookie remains a centerpiece of vintage boxing collections — a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the dawn of mass entertainment.