Themes in American History

Boxing in the 1920’s was an exceptionally popular sport. Many fights during this era were social events with many thousands in attendance, both men and women. New York has an interesting and unique boxing history. Boxing was banned from America in the early 1900’s. In 1920 New York passed Walker Law, this law permitted boxing fights to be legal in New York. As other States witness what was happening in New York so they also legalized boxing. One of the state was Chicago, following agitation to end the ban, notably by the Chicago Tribune, boxing was legalized in 1926, upon which the illinios boxing commission was organized. Windy City Boxing Gym in Chicago was a gym where fighters trained in 2o’s. Similarly, in New York a famous gym from that era was stillman gym located near the old madison square garden in New York City. On December 14, 1920, Jack Dempsey, the heavyweight champion, appeared in the Madison Square Garden, knocking out Bill Brennam in the 12th round. Dempsey drew the largest crowds at Madison Square Garden in that period. Likewise, With big time bout back in the Windy city, Chicago also began to attract soem of the biggest names in Boxing. Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey met at Chicago’s soldier field for the title. The bout drew record heavy weight gate receipts of over $2.5 million with 104000 fans at soldier field where Gene Tunney defeat Jack Dempsey. 1920’s was the tougher society and the more it loves tough sports which was boxing. The following youtube video footage is the fight between Tunney and Gibbons during 1920’s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tN0nynRY9U

Tags: 1920 boxing New York and Chicago

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