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Gene Tunney
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gene Tunney | |
 |
|
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | James Joseph Tunney |
| Nickname | The Fighting Marine |
| Weight | Heavyweight |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth date | May 25, 1897 |
| Birth place | New York City |
| Death date | November 7, 1978 |
| Style | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 88 |
| Wins | 82 |
| Wins by KO | 48 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Draws | 3 |
| No contests | 2 |
James Joseph "Gene" Tunney (May 25, 1897 – November 7, 1978) was the heavyweight boxing champion from 1926-28 who defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight. Tunney retired undefeated as a heavyweight after his victory over Tom Heeney in 1928.
Tunney, who in World War I served in the U.S. Marines, had only one loss in his entire professional career — a 15 round decision to Harry Greb for the American Light Heavyweight title, a defeat that he later avenged in four more fights against Greb. He was regarded as an extremely skillful boxer who excelled in defense.
In addition to beating Dempsey, the most famous fighter of his era, Tunney defeated Tommy Loughran, Tommy Gibbons, Georges Carpentier, and many other fine boxers.
Tunney also had a brief acting career, starring in the movie The Fighting Marine in 1926. Unfortunately, no prints of this film are known to exist.
He was elected as Ring Magazine's first-ever Fighter of the Year in 1928 and later elected to the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1980, the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, and the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
Gene Tunney was the father of John V. Tunney, who was a Senator and Representative from California from 1965 until 1977.
Upon his death in 1978, aged 81, Tunney was interred in the Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut.
- List of heavyweight boxing champions
- International Boxing Hall of Fame
- Ring Magazine fighters of the year
- List of undisputed boxing champions
- List of notable boxing rivalries
- Boxing in the 1920s
- List of male boxers
- Gene Tunney website
- Gene Tunney's career boxing record
- Gene Tunney's Find a Grave site
- Gene Tunney vs. Jack Dempsey (second match)
| Preceded by Jack Dempsey |
Heavyweight boxing champion 1926–1928 |
Succeeded by Max Schmeling |