The Toughest Boxers to Ever Enter the Ring

Dempsey was a ferocious brawler who fought like a man possessed. He leapt on opponents from the opening bell, absorbing counters just to land his own crushing shots. He fought through pain and injury without hesitation, his savage aggression and willingness to endure anything making him one of boxing’s toughest icons.

In 1923, Dempsey defended his heavyweight title against Luis Firpo in a wild slugfest. Knocked out of the ring in the first round, he climbed back in and unleashed a furious assault, stopping Firpo in the second. That comeback from near disaster perfectly embodied Dempsey’s unbreakable toughness and fighting spirit.