CSPAN3 Willard-Dempsey Fight July 13, 2024
Against jack dempsey. It was a hot Independence Day at the toledo arena. 110 degrees. We are standing across from weber you park bayview park in toledo. Bayview is famous for hosting the july 4, 1919 World Championship heavyweight fight between jack dempsey and jess willard. It was difficult to find a place to hold this fight. In 1919, boxing had an awkward reputation for death in the ring recently. Also gambling, and organized crime that was involved in it. But toledo made an offer, and it was decided to host the fight here. Both fighters came to town a couple months before, they worked out a...