Sweet Science History: Jack “Manassa Mauler” Dempsey

Well, it looks like we’re in for another quiet(ish) week in the boxing world. There are a few bout slated to happen, but the outcomes seem like foregone conclusions (Beterbiev and Sor Rungvisai by KO are my predictions) so I wanted to take some time for another page out of Sweet Science History. Today, let’s take a look into the life of Heavyweight Hall of Famer Jack “Manassa Mauler” Dempsey.

Sweet Science History: Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns

I recently found myself in Detroit, Michigan and was immediately drawn into the city’s boxing culture. Though the city itself is currently in rough shape, it seems to set the mood for the rough and relentless boxers created on it’s streets. The popular Joe Louis’ legacy was in plain view all around in the form of statues, posters, and memorabilia. The Motor City has born numerous talented boxers over the decades, but the pugilist that was most eye catching to me was the first 4-time and first 5-time world champion, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns.

Sweet Science History: Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker

When the casual boxing fan thinks about the sport, it’s easy to get blinded by the warrior who packs explosive power. The fighter who has dynamite in each hand, and the grit to keep coming forward and look to deliver that explosiveness will steal the spotlight more times than not. However to some fans (mostly the die hard fans and purists), it is the elegant and graceful defensive capabilities that capture the eye, and perplex the mind. When discussing these defensive skill sets, it is hard to think of anybody who has displayed more technical acumen than Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker.

Sweet Science History: Larry “The Easton Assassin” Holmes

Today, let’s take a look at the life and accomplishments of Larry “The Easton Assassin” Holmes. When looking at the Heavyweight division of the past, stuck in the era between the great Muhammad Ali and the always media friendly Mike Tyson, Holmes’ name often gets overlooked.

Sweet Science History: Ricardo “El Finito” Lopez

Too often in this great sport we find ourselves focused on the politics and business ventures involved, rather than the brave warriors who lace up the gloves and put their health and livelihood on the line. More often still are the accomplishments and battles of some of these combatants overlooked due to fighting at a lower weight class than your Mike Tyson’s and Ray Leonard’s.   When boxing fans think of undefeated icons of the past, a few names come to mind, Rocky Marciano (49-0), Joe Calzaghe (46-0) but few people bring up Ricardo Lopez (51-0-1).