This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2003.
The stage was set for boxing's first hugely-hyped rematch. At the opening bell, the 32-year-old Dempsey charged forward with the hunger of his youth. Tunney resumed where he had left off, boxing with relative ease. Dempsey eventually caught Tunney with a long right and followed up with a left hook to the chin. Thus began boxing's fabled "long count." Dempsey failed to back away from his fallen foe as the then-new rule dictated and referee Dave Barry took several seconds to convince him to do so. Barry would then turn back to Tunney and begin his count. He reached nine before a shaken Tunney regained his feet and recovered to box his way to another clear-cut points victory. As for Dempsey, this second loss to Tunney propelled him into retirement. This full ticket is from that historic night and grades EX-NM. Includes a wire photo of the two in the ring, which grades EX.