If Tunney could beat Dempsy twice than so would Ali, and probably easier.
Ali would be too fast for Dempsy, and even with his brawling style he would not be able to hurt Ali, unless he caught him early and put him down.
Ali was not unbeatable in his prime, Cooper had him down and hurt, and Dempsy was a much harder puncher.
I am putting my money on Ali.
In a boxing match under Queensbury rules I would pick Ali, he would be too fast, about 30 lbs heavier and had the chin to take Dempsey's shots.
However......
If we are talking a no holds barred brawl, such as a bar room fight I would pick Dempsey. Muhammad Ali by his own admission was never involved in fights outside of the ring, Dempsey however started out brawling in mining camps, brothels, bars, boxcars etc.
He would walk into bars in the tough mid west at just 16 and challenge the toughest men. Also he had to fight hobo's intent on rape, to him every street fight was like a fight for survival.
I think Ali would be out of his depth here and Dempsey would brutally take him out within minutes.
Not only would Ali beat Dempsey, it wouldnt be close.
Jack Dempsey wasnt the biggest heavyweight, versus Ali who was 6'3. Ali would lay the jab right combinations on him from a distance and wouldnt be in any danger.
Dempsey never fought anyone who had excellent feet and could utilize a ring like that, so he could never close it into a phonebooth fight. He would be forced to take it from the outside.
A NOT PRIME Ali could manage that.
Dempsey would have an advantage in an all out brawl because that's his style. It is said that in a phone booth fight, no one would beat Dempsey. But I'd still go with Ali, if the fight's held in a boxing ring. Ali's bigger and faster and if he keeps the fight in the center of the ring, he could outpunch Dempsey.
Ali of course noone could beat ali in his prime
Nobody can beat ali in his prime...He has the heart, skills and work ethic to dominate...ali all day...
Not in a regulation match, but in an all out brawl during their primes?
