Happy birthday, Colorado — and Colorado sports.

Leading into the state’s 150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of Colorado’s top 150 sports moments.

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian Dave Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31. Plati and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame podcast at coloradosports.org/podcast/.

No. 17 — July 4, 1919

Jack Dempsey, who was born in Manassa and known as the “Manassa Mauler,” knocked out Jess Willard in the third round in Toledo to win the heavyweight title. Dempsey, 6-foot-1, 187 pounds, knocked the much larger Willard (6-6, 245) to the canvas seven times in the first round alone. Soon after his win, legendary sportswriter Damon Runyon gave Dempsey his famous nickname. He successfully defended his title five times until losing to Gene Tunney on Sept. 23, 1926. Dempsey retired with a record of 58 wins (43 by knockouts), six losses and nine draws

—Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian