Jack DEMPSEY

Long-reigning Welterweight Champion

N.B. Left-clicking on any photograph will enlarge it

Now a couple of features from "The Wrestler" magazine (March 1963 and November 1964) during the period of Jack Dempsey's long reign as British Welterweight Champion. Firstly an article on the welterweight scene, and then a page listing the champions and main contenders in all the weight categories at that time

The picture below (with closeups either side) of Jack Dempsey with a side head chancery on Sid Cooper perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 'the golden age' of British Professional Wrestling. The wrestlers are suitably attired in trunks and boots for a contest of sporting skill, controlled aggression and agility. The referee, Tiny Carr, is also suitably dressed for the occasion. All of the action takes place inside the ring, under the glare of the floodlights which add to the drama and excitement of the occasion.

For this reason, the photograph (from the book "This Grappling Game" by Kent Walton) was chosen for the Wrestling Furnace Picture Gallery logo in its previous incarnation, and still appears on this new website's introduction page.

And finally, the pictures of other wrestlers from the "Welterweight Scene" article above.