One hundredth Anniversary of Jack Vs The Angel

On November 1st at the Polo Ground Community Center, joined with NYCHA and DYOD we celebrated history, and thanks to Don Majeski and the WBC we created some.

The mission was not only to acknowledge the centennial of a great fight but the community built there.

Many years ago, The Polo Ground was the most iconic, mega Mecca of sports in the world and 100 years ago, Jack Dempsey vs Luis Angel Firpo one of the most attended fights in history.

Dempsey, was at his powerful, irresistible zenith but Luis Angel fought back with sheer ferocity, to come within a proverbial ace of grasping the richest prize in sport, before Jack who had collided with a typewriter, during his orbit out of the ring, clambered back, to apply the poleaxe finishing touch!

“The Wild Bull of The Pampas” had lost the fight, but he had  won the hearts of fight fans and opened the door wide, flinging caution to the wind and in so doing, inspiring new generations of Latino champions. Over 88,000 people attended that night, while 25,000 tried to get in and couldn’t.

In honor of this historic milestone, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman presented a memorial plaque which will forever adorn the site. He also contributed a commemorative belt and famous painting depicting the fight.

The fight itself lasted two, extraordinary, incredible, action packed rounds. There were 11 knock downs, and it was voted Fight of the Year.

Many politicians, members of the community, the Argentine Consul, along with boxing folk and press enjoyed the speeches, the sparring demos, the food  and fun. Much food for thought.

We’d like to especially thank those who actively  participated , Don Majeski, Holt McCallany, Serena Chandler, Ryan Rozinicki , Joseph’s Halperin (the promoter’s grandson!), Minister Mark Howard, Boyd Melson, Henry DeLeon, Brian Cardoso, Lou DiBella, Eric Kelly, Jill Diamond, Henry Hascup, Jose Corpas, Lt Jack Kirrane, Eleonora Miteava, Bruce Silverglade, Otto Wallen, Genl Consul Santiago Villalba, Iran Barkley, Jr  Jones, Senator Cordell Cleare, Commissioner Keith Howard, Nichelle Hudlin and Team NYCHA, Rasheed and Team

PAL, Mc Donald’s and all those who spoke and assisted.

As always, boxing is an individual sport that takes a team effort!-

Here’s to the next one hundred!