The Historic First Radio Broadcast
of a Professional Boxing Match:
Jack Dempsey vs. Billy Miske
Click photos below
for expanded views
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Another historic first for the Twin Cities of Benton Harbor & St. Joseph: Location of the First Professional Boxing Match to be Broadcast on Radio - Jack Dempsey vs. Billy Miske - September 6th 1920.
Jack Dempsey, the famous boxer, first became World Heavyweight Champion after beating Jess Willard on July 4th 1919.
Dempsey did not defend his title until September 6th 1920 with a fight against Billy Miske in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Miske was knocked out at 1:13 in round 3 of 10.
The Jack Dempsey vs. Billy Miske fight took place just north of the Israelite House of David grounds in Benton Harbor. Dempsey trained next door at Eastman Springs.
This was the first bout broadcast on radio. Well, technically, it was the first "Fight Returns Given by Wireless" as one newspaper, Detroit News, reported.
There is no evidence that the Detroit News radio station, 8XK, had a ringside announcer at this fight - most likely the newspaper received the standard telegraphed summaries, which were then announced over the station.
Detroit News, September 4, 1920, page 1:
Fight Returns Given by Wireless
On Labor Day afternoon, Jack Dempsey and Billy Miske will fight at Benton Harbor.
It will be Dempsey's first appearance in the ring since he won the championship from Willard at Toledo.
For those who are interested, returns on the fight will be given by the Detroit News radiophone news service. There will also be reports on the ball games and all the other leading events of the day.
For the many wireless enthusiasts in Detroit, here is an opportunity to give your friends and neighbors some real pleasure. Invite them in and keep them informed on the news of the day by means of this unusual service. |
Attendance was reported to be 11,346. According to promoter Floyd Fitzsimmons, total receipts were $134,904. Dempsey received 50% and Miske 25%. The fight referee was Jack Dougherty.
Newspapers reported that tickets were $13, $22, and $33 depending on seating location. Or, in 2020's dollars: $169, $286, and $429. (According to US Inflation Calculator.)
Here's a Panoramic Photo taken at the event to show the amazing crowd size gathered for this fight.
1920 was the 12th year of operations for the Israelite House of David Eden Springs, with 7 to 8 miniature railroad locomotives carrying passengers on the mile circuit around the idyllic Eden Springs. There was a very busy vegetarian restaurant, a bowling alley, musical entertainments performed by the Israelite musical bands and orchestras, a greenhouse, and aviary/zoo, a baseball field, and a large auditorium that featured silent movies, theatre plays and Israelite preachers in public services.
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