“When I was a young fellow I was knocked down plenty. I wanted to stay down, but I couldn’t. I had to collect the two dollars for winning or go hungry. I had to get up. I was one of those hungry fighters. You could have hit me on the chin with a sledgehammer for five dollars. When you haven’t eaten for two days you’ll understand.”
More from Jack Dempsey
“I can't sing and I can't dance, but I can lick any SOB in the house.”
“The best defense is a good offense.”
“You're in there for three-minute rounds with gloves on and a referee. That's not real…”
“Nobody has to go hungry today. There is plenty of work for a man who wants to work. A kid…”