Jack Dempsey’s First Title Defense: A Labor Day Extravaganza
Historically, boxing promoters have often linked their events to other attractions, a practice that dates back to the bare-knuckle boxing era in England. Major fights were frequently scheduled during country fairs and key horse racing events to draw large crowds, contrasting the notion of “build it and they will come.”
In the U.S., prior to World War II, the Fourth of July was a popular date for boxing, hosting many iconic fights. Labor Day, established as a federal holiday in 1894 and celebrated on the first Monday of September, was also significant, albeit less so than July 4.
On Labor Day weekend in 1920, Jack Dempsey defended his heavyweight title for the first time against Billy Miske in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This match is remembered as an important event in American boxing history.
Benton Harbor: A Unique Venue
Located in southwestern Michigan, Benton Harbor was home to about 12,000 residents in 1920, a number that remains constant today, though its demographic makeup has changed significantly. The town is connected to its neighbor, St. Joseph, via a trolley line and featured amusement parks that drew visitors, especially during the summer months.
Floyd Fitzsimmons: The Visionary
Floyd Fitzsimmons, a baseball enthusiast and manager of the local semi-pro team, was the promoter behind the fight. He had ventured into boxing promotion seeking to uncover a contender to defeat Jack Johnson. His first significant boxing event occurred on July 4, 1920, where he built a 12,000-seat stadium for a title match featuring Benny Leonard.
Fight Setup and Competitors
By 1919, Dempsey had gained immense popularity after defeating Jess Willard for the heavyweight title. His inactivity for 14 months saw him transition briefly into Hollywood. His opponent, Billy Miske, had previously fought Dempsey twice, but few believed he stood a chance to win this bout.
Day of the Fight
September 6, 1920, was described as a festive occasion in Berrien County, with parades and celebrations taking place. The influx of visitors overwhelmed local accommodations, leading to reported price gouging. The preliminaries featured two six-round matches, both of which went the distance, setting the stage for the main event.
Dempsey vs. Miske: The Bout
The match itself was governed by Michigan laws that limited fights to 10 rounds without official decisions. Dempsey knocked Miske down twice before concluding the match in the third round, successfully defending his title. Despite Miske’s declining health, he continued to fight post-defeat but tragically passed away just a few years later.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following the bout, concerns arose about the activities of unsavory characters in Benton Harbor, prompting local leaders to urge tighter regulations. Fitzsimmons subsequently relocated his events to Michigan City, Indiana, where he continued promoting boxing fights. He eventually faced legal troubles and passed away in 1949 while listening to a baseball game broadcast, leaving a lasting connection to both sports.
