William Harrison „Jack“ Dempsey (1895-1983), as well known as „Kid Blackie“ and „The Manassa Mauler“ was a professional boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927.
His aggressive style of fighting and extraordinary punching power made him one of the most famous boxers in history. He has been the heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926 and one of the most popular icons in the 1920s.

After retiring and when the United States entered World War II, Dempsey enlisted for the New York State Guard and was given a commission as a first lieutenant. He later accepted a commission as lieutenant in the Coast Guard reserve and became 'Director of Physical Education'. As part of the ongoing war effort, Dempsey made personal appearances at fights, camps, hospitals, and War Bond drives. Dempsey was promoted to lieutenant commander in December 1942 and commander in March 1944. In 1945, he was on board the attack transport USS Arthur Middleton (APA-25) for the invasion of Okinawa. Dempsey was released from active duty in September 1945 and received an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard Reserve in 1952.

In a collaboration with his daughter Barbara Lynn, Dempsey published his autobiography titled 'Dempsey' in tribute to his legacy and boxing career.
a 2004 PBS documentary summarized "Dempsey's boxing style consisted of constantly bobbing and weaving. His attacks were furious and sustained. Behind it all was rage. His aggressive behavior prompted a rule that boxers had to retreat to a neutral corner and give opponents who had been knocked down a chance to get up."

After being inducted into Ring magazines Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954 and International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, he was posthumously inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame.
 

Signed and framed autograph of the 20s icon and heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey.

Personal dedication of Dempsey's sparring partner Krüger to his friend Otto Kreuzer.

Both the frame and the picture are in a "worn condition" with signs of age and use (minor scratches on the frame and faded color of the photo). Size // 26,5 cm x 31 cm

This and the other Jack Dempsey photographs and autographs are part of the estate of Dempsey sparring partner Krüger.

To see the other Dempsey items, please click this link: Click here