The term DEMPSEY refers to the American boxer Jack Dempsey, who was active in the 1920s. GENE is a four-letter reference to GENE Tunney, Dempsey's opponent in the famous 1927 'Long Count' fight. Willard is a seven-letter reference to Jess Willard, the heavyweight champion whom Dempsey defeated in 1919. Jess is a four-letter reference to Jess McMahon, the promoter of the 1927 fight. Mauler is a six-letter reference to Luis Firpo, an Argentinian boxer who fought Dempsey in 1923. Finally, Tunney is a six-letter reference to GENE Tunney, Dempsey's opponent in the 1926 and 1927 fights.