CARPENTIER, GEORGES

born Jan. 12, 1894, Lens, France died Oct. 27, 1975, Paris byname Orchid Man French boxer who was a world light-heavyweight champion (192022) and a European champion at four weight classes. Carpentier's victories over British opponentsJoe Beckett, Bombardier Billy Wells, and Ted Kid Lewismade him a national hero in France. He attracted international attention on July 2, 1921, when he fought Jack Dempsey for the world heavyweight championship in Jersey City, N.J., but was knocked out in the fourth round. The bout was the first prizefight for which ticket sales exceeded $1,000,000. He staged a comeback match against Gene Tunney on July 24, 1924, in New York City but went down in the 14th round, hurt by a controversial low blow. After fighting in 109 bouts, winning 56 by knockouts, Carpentier retired in 1927. He became a fashionable restaurateur in Paris and was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1964.