Philadelphia Sept 23, 1926- Sept 23,2026

100^th Anniversary of Champion Jack Dempsey defending his Heavyweight Championship belt on Sept. 23^rd, 1926.

On this day, the torch was passed – Tunney, the clever boxer who read books, defeated Jack with a unanimous decision over 10 rounds.

The Dempsey–Tunney fight in Philadelphia refers to their first meeting, held September 23, 1926, at the Sesquicentennial Stadium — a massive temporary arena built for Philadelphia’s 150th anniversary celebration. It remains one of the most significant upsets in heavyweight history.

Tunney fought a near‑perfect tactical fight:

• Constant lateral movement
• Sharp one‑twos
• Never standing still long enough for Dempsey to set his feet
• Clinching at the right moments
• Maintaining distance and rhythm

Dempsey, after three years of inactivity, looked slow and hesitant — a stark contrast to the ferocious “Manassa Mauler” of earlier years.

Legacy of the Philadelphia Fight

• Named “Upset of the Decade” by The Ring.
• Set the stage for their legendary 1927 rematch in Chicago — the Long Count Fight.

Cemented Tunney as one of the most technically skilled heavyweight champions ever.

Tunney’s Tactical Blueprint

Tunney executed a military‑precision plan:

1. Jab → pivot → right cross

He never stayed in front of Dempsey for more than a half‑second.

2. Never let Dempsey set his feet

Dempsey’s power came from planting and exploding. Tunney denied him that moment every time.

3. Clinch only when necessary

He didn’t hold excessively — just enough to break Dempsey’s rhythm.

4. Punch first, punch last

Tunney initiated exchanges and ended them. Dempsey was stuck reacting.

5. Condition for 15 rounds even though it was a 10‑round fight

Facts, Venue & Attendance

Sesquicentennial Stadium, Philadelphia

Paid attendance: ~120,557 (some reports say nearly 140,000 inside)

Gate: ~$1.9 million — the third million‑dollar gate in boxing history

Dempsey’s purse: ~$770,000

Tunney’s purse: ~$200,000

Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial Stadium — the forgotten giant

This stadium was built for Philly’s 150th anniversary celebration. It seated 100,000+, making it one of the largest sporting venues ever constructed in America.

Key details:

• Temporary structure
• Wooden bleachers
• Massive oval design
• The fight drew 120,557 paid, with estimates of 140,000 actually inside

It remained the largest paid attendance in boxing until 1993.

The stadium was demolished shortly after the exposition ended — which is why so few people today know it existed.