All-time heavyweight rankings by Jim Jab in 1921

1921-07-08 The Pittsburg Press (Pittsburgh, PA) (page 25)

DEMPSEY NOT BEST EVER IN HEAVY RANKS
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Jim Jab Selects Twenty Stars and Places Jim Jeffries at Head of His List
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By Jim Jab.

Old timers chancing to know that you enjoy the July 2 scrap, spring this interrogation: "Is Dempsey the greatest of all time?" Perhaps they may land an affirmative rejoinder from certain folks. It's a matter of opinion, of personal estimate. There's no way of fixing the situation beyond argument. Left to the writer he would quickly insert a negative answer. Of course the mere fact that Jack defeated the Frenchman added nothing to his glory. The task wasn't formidable. However, as is ever the case, each succeeding triumph raises fan value of a star, regardless of the fear accomplished. The writer, with a 40-year vision of ring celebrities, from giants down to shrimps, begs leave to present a "Twenty Best Ever," compiled some time last autumn, with just one correction. Stan Ketchel was omitted then. He gets a dandy notch in the revised score. No argument is given other than to mention one point, viz., "that Jim Jeffries could give and take, was a master man in pugilism in his last hours. He gave up honors in the fullness of fame." The list follows:

No. 1. James J. Jeffries; No. 2. John L. Sullivan; 3. J. Art Johnson; 4. Jack Dempsey; 5. Bob Fitzsimmons; 6. Peter Jackson; 7. Jess Willard; 8. Stan Ketchel; 9. Frank Paddy Slavin; 10. Fred Fulton; 11. Gus Ruhlin; 13. Tom Sharkey; 14. Sam Langford; 15. Luther McCarthy; 16. Jim Corbett; 17. Charley Mitchel; 18. Joe Choynski; 19. Joe Goddard; 20. Sam McVey.

Ketchel, the "Assassin!" Imagine Carp tackling this dreadful punisher. The lamented Stanley would have been sponging up and donning his dance clothes 10 minutes after entering an arena with the Frenchie.

Dempsey is the best man of his hour beyond any shadow of doubt. Of course, don't forget that saying, "There never was a good man without as good, if not better coming along." It goes, too. Jack has trimmed all aspirants barring Tom Gibbons and Bob Martin. The latter was severely slugged by Bill Brennan, displaying lack of experience. Another year perhaps the ex-MP will be there with the goods. The writer is sweet on Tom Gibbons, believes him to be the making of a first class heavy, in fact, is there now. Tommy is a trifle light for Dempsey. It's worthy of note that the fistic realm displays a disposition to scorn Bill Brennan as a top battler. Have a care, rooters. This man is far from being a dub. Don't judge him by certain clashes. Billy has worn hobble skirts. Fred Fulton is clever but unlucky.

Dempsey is physical perfection for a heavyweight miller. Few writers have pointed out his trimness, particularly of his underpinnings. They are built for speed unlike many big fellows who enjoyed high rank. Sullivan carried more than a trifle in the way of excess baggage below the waist. Kilrain was positively handicapped by his stilts. Jeff, though compact, had massive legs. Corbett was gazelle like in his maneuvers. Sharkey was "leggy" as they say of Jack Johnson, though not built for swiftness, made up for his shortcomings by wonderful work from the bread line upwards. Fitz's legs were jokes only to cartoonists. Dempsey sliding sharply without any lost motion cornered Carp when and wherever he pleased. No dancing, no prancing, all effective weaving in. This effort on the champion's part was an act of brilliancy overlooked by hundreds on Boyles Acres.