DEMPSEY FIGHT BELL
AIRED: Season 5, Episode 3
REPEATED: Season 6, Epsiode 5
THE DETECTIVE: Tukufu Zuberi
THE PLACE: Reno, Nevada and New York City
THE CASE:
July 4, 1919 marks the day America found its true calling in a national obsession. Icon Jack Dempsey became the world’s first boxing superstar, and he did it with the clang of a bell.
Now, a contributor in Reno, Nevada wants to know: Is the bell he’s toasted many a night on the wall of his favorite bar the one that was ringside at Dempsey’s legendary world heavyweight championship match?
The question goes beyond a single fight. Dempsey’s bout ushered in the Roaring 20’s, America’s fascination with celebrity and the golden age of championship sports.
History Detectives sorts truth from myth to determine which clues ring true.
Video: Interview with Bert Sugar
Watch an extended interview with Bert Sugar, author of over 80 books on boxing history.
Remembering Boxers of the Past and Present
Read more about the history of boxing at boxing historian Tony Triem's web site.
Think you have a case for the History Detectives? Send us your mystery here. 