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1926 Jack Dempsey & Jess McMahon Signed Contract for the First Dempsey/Tunney Heavyweight Title Bout (JSA)
Historic one-page fight contract for the first Dempsey/Tunney Heavyweight title bout, signed by former heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey and fight promoter Jess McMahon (Jess McMahon is the grandfather of Vince McMahon, CEO of the WWE wrestling empire.) The contract, between Jack Dempsey and the Rickard Sporting Club of New York, is dated August 10, 1926, and stipulates that Dempsey is to fight Gene Tunney at Yankee Stadium on September 16, 1926. For his part, Dempsey will receive "37 1/2 per cent of the gross receipts of the house." Dempsey is also required to deposit $5,000 with the promoter as forfeit money in the event that he does not appear for the fight. Both Dempsey and McMahon have signed the contract in black fountain pen, with Dempsey's signature grading 9/10 and McMahon's grading 10/10. It is interesting to note that although the original contract called for Dempsey to fight Tunney on September 16th at Yankee Stadium, the date and venue had to be changed because the New York State Athletic Commission refused to issue Dempsey a license to box in New York. As a result, the fight was moved to Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia on September 23rd, where it would be part of the city's Sesquicentennial celebration. Over 120,000 fans turned out for the bout, which ended with Tunney upsetting Dempsey by a unanimous 10-round decision to claim the heavyweight title. The contract (8.5x14") displays three horizontal folds, moderate creases, and several small border tears, none of which significantly affect the signatures. In Good condition overall. This is a unique piece of boxing history relating to one of the most memorable heavyweight title bouts in history. Full LOA from JSA.
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