Jack Dempsey vs. Tommy Gibbons

To capitalize on the oil revenues, town officials devised a plan to attract visitors and families by hosting high-profile events.

Officials believed that Dempsey's nationwide fame, combined with the reputation of his manager, Jack Kearns, and promoter, Tex Rickard, would draw a large crowd to Shelby.

Kearns required an advance for travel costs and a guaranteed purse for Dempsey, citing the lengthy train journey from populous areas.

Dempsey, known for his aggressive fighting style, had a history of delivering knockouts, having previously defeated Jess Willard, Bill Brennan, and Georges Carpentier, among others.

Despite the construction of a large arena, capable of holding a crowd the size of a football field, the event failed to attract a significant number of paying fans.

One lasting legacy of the boxing match is the town hall building, constructed in just two months to serve as the media headquarters for the event.

This building, which still stands today, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serving as a reminder of Shelby's brief moment in the spotlight.