Born in Manassa, Colorado on June 24, 1895, William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey rose to stardom as boxing’s biggest star in the 1920s. As a nomadic traveler from 1911 to 1916, Dempsey began boxing in the small mining towns of Colorado under the name "Kid Blackie." He emerged from the saloon floor circuit to rein victorious in over 80 professional fights by the meager age of 24. Dempsey was perhaps best known for his thrilling knockout victories, many of which occurred in just seconds of the fight’s onset. Dempsey proved his phenomenal ability in a battle of "David and Goliath" when he beat Jess Willard in 1919, leaving the giant bewildered and shattered. This victory awarded Dempsey both the heavyweight title and the nickname of the "Manassa Mauler", the name that soon haunted potential opponents all around the country. Dempsey became a ring warrior through his tough defense of his title six times in just seven years. A crushing end to Dempsey’s reign occurred on September 23, 1926 when he was defeated by Gene Tunney. In a rematch attempt to reclaim the title in 1927, Dempsey lost again amidst controversy in what history would forever remember as the "Battle of the Long Count".
Rarely does an artifact of this magnitude surface from the golden age of boxing. These original leather lace-up boxing shoes were a gift from Dempsey directly to Cy Jones. They show extensive usage wear from unimaginable battles, including what appears to be bloodstains on the laces. The shoes are accompanied by a handwritten letter from Dempsey dated 1949 and executed on his personal restaurant letterhead. It reads, “Dear Cy, Glad to sign the gloves and pictures for you, a real fellow. Will have more things in the line that you want later on. With all good wishes Cy. Jack Dempsey.” His postscript reads, “P.S. Am sending along some old boxing shoes which I hope you will accept for your sports collection. Jack.” Also included is a framed picture of Dempsey inscribed on the matte, “To my pal Cy, lots of luck always, Jack Dempsey July 3-1919 Toledo, Ohio.” A museum caliber piece of boxing history with provenance that is beyond reproach. Autographed items are pre-certified by PSA/DNA.