Gene Tunney

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gene Tunney
Gene Tunney Portrait LOC.jpg
Tunney c. 1925
Statistics
Real nameJames Joseph Tunney
Nickname(s)The Fighting Marine
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Reach76 in (193 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born(1897-05-25)May 25, 1897
New York City, U.S.
DiedNovember 7, 1978(1978-11-07) (aged 81)
Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights88
Wins82
Wins by KO49
Losses1
Draws4
No contests1

James Joseph "Gene" Tunney (May 25, 1897 – November 7, 1978) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1915 to 1928. He held the world heavyweight title from 1926 to 1928, and the American light heavyweight title twice between 1922 and 1923. A highly technical boxer, Tunney had a five-fight light heavyweight rivalry with Harry Greb in which he won three, drew once, and lost once, though many ringside reporters believed Greb should have won the decision in their second meeting. Tunney also knocked out Georges Carpentier and defeated Jack Dempsey twice; first in 1926 and again in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey remains one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight. He retired undefeated as a heavyweight after his victory over Tom Heeney in 1928, after which Tunney was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine.

Early life[]

Mary Lydon from Culleen House, Gorthgarve, Kiltimagh, County Mayo, Ireland, emigrated to the United States after the Great Famine. She settled in New York City, where she met John Tunney, also from Cill Aodain, Kiltimagh. They married after a short courtship. The Tunneys had seven children; one son was murdered around 1920, another was a New York Police Department detective from 1924 to 1951, dying in 1971, while Gene would become famous as a World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. At an early age, Tunney was inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt to become physically fit.[1]

Career[]

Tunney in Marine uniform

Tunney fought some 68 official professional fights, losing only one, to Harry Greb, while fighting as a light heavyweight. Tunney fought many other fights whose scoring was unofficial, judged by newspaper reporters. He also lost none of these "newspaper decisions." He reported that he lost a second fight during World War I, a 10-round decision, to Tommy Loughran, as a Marine before he began his professional boxing career. Tunney 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 Gibbons, Georges Carpentier and many other fine boxers.

Already the U.S. Expeditionary Forces champion, Tunney spent the winter of 1921 as a lumberjack in northern Ontario for the J. R. Booth Company of Ottawa, without revealing he was a champion boxer. He explained this as "wanting the solitude and the strenuous labors of the woods to help condition himself for the career that appeared before him."[2]

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 United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

Military career[]

Tunney enlisted the Marine Corps during World War I and served as Private with 11th Marine Regiment in France and later in Germany during the occupation of the Rhineland in 1919. He saw no combat and spent most of the war in the Marine boxing team, becoming U.S. Expeditionary Forces champion. Tunney was demobilized following the war, but remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, ultimately reaching the rank of Major in the Connecticut Naval Militia.

Following the United States entry into World War II, at the request of Navy Undersecretary James Forrestal, Tunney accepted a commission in the United States Naval Reserve as a lieutenant commander to set up a physical fitness program for student pilots. He headed the Navy's physical fitness programme for the duration of the war and also made inspection trip to Hawaii and surrounding area.[3]

Tunney was consecutively promoted to the ranks of Commander and Captain and retired shortly following the War. For his wartime service, he was decorated with the Navy Commendation Medal and also held World War I Victory Medal with France Clasp, Army of Occupation of Germany Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his World War I enlisted service.

Personal life[]

In 1928, Tunney married a wealthy socialite, the former Mary "Polly" Lauder (April 24, 1907 – April 19, 2008). Mrs. Tunney was born into the Lauder Greenway Family; her grandfather was billionaire George Lauder, a first cousin and business partner of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. According to a 2007 biography, Tunney promised Polly that he would quit boxing and defended his title only one more time after the second Dempsey fight, against Tom Heeney of New Zealand.

After Mr. Tunney's retirement, the couple lived in Stamford, Connecticut and raised four children.[4] They had three sons: John Varick Tunney (1934–2018), who was a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from California from 1965 until 1977; Jonathan "Jay" Rowland Tunney of Stamford, Connecticut; and Gene Lauder Tunney (1931-2009),[5][6][7] who became a lawyer and served as district attorney for Sonoma County, California, for 20 years. Their one daughter was Joan Tunney Wilkinson (1939-2008)[8] of San Francisco,[9] who was committed to McLean Hospital on June 6, 1970, after she murdered her husband, Lynn Carter Wilkinson Jr.[10][11][12][13]

Previous to his marriage to Mrs. Tunney, Tunney was sued in 1927 for breach of promise by Mrs. Katherine King Fogarty.[14]

Death[]

Tunney died on November 7, 1978 at the Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut at the age of eighty-one, after suffering from a circulation ailment.[15] He was interred at Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut.

Fighting style[]

Tunney at Trinity College Dublin, 1928

Tunney was a thinking fighter who preferred to make a boxing match into a game of chess, which was not popular during the times when such sluggers as Jack Dempsey, Harry Greb and Mickey Walker were commanding center stage. Tunney's style was influenced by other noted boxing thinkers such as James J. Corbett and Benny Leonard. Nevertheless, it is incorrect to think of Tunney as a stick-and-move fighter in the Ali style. While Tunney's heavyweight fights against Gibbons, Carpentier, and Dempsey featured his fleet-footed movement and rapid-fire jabbing, his earlier bouts, especially the five against Harry Greb, demonstrated his vicious body punching and willingness to fight toe-to-toe. It was Benny Leonard who advised Tunney that the only way to beat Harry "The Human Windmill" Greb was to aim his punches at Greb's body rather than his head.[citation needed]

Always moving and boxing behind an excellent left jab, Tunney would study his opponents from the first bell. He generally preferred to stay outside and nullify any attacks, while using quick counters to keep the opponent off balance. In his fights against Jack Dempsey, today's viewer can see Tunney's style: hands held low for greater power, fast footwork that adjusts to every move his opponent makes and quick and accurate one-two style counter-punches with the left and right.

Tunney was never knocked out, while only ever being knocked down once, that in his second fight with Dempsey in the infamous Long Count. This makes him one of only five Heavyweight champions, alongside Rocky Marciano, Riddick Bowe, Sultan Ibragimov and Nicolai Valuev to retire without ever suffering a stoppage defeat. Tunney, along with Marciano, Lewis and Vitali Klitschko is one of four heavyweight champions to have retired as champion and to have ended their career with a win in a world title fight. Having avenged his only loss to Harry Greb, with whom he also drew), Tunney joins Ingemar Johansson, Rocky Marciano, Lennox Lewis and Riddick Bowe as the only five heavyweight champions to have retired while holding a victory over every opponent he faced as a professional (barring no-contests).[citation needed]

Publications[]

In 1932, Tunney published a book called A Man Must Fight, in which he gave comments on his career and boxing techniques.

The Tunney Cup[]

In 1928, the U.S. Marine Corps presented – as a sign of friendship – a challenge cup to the Corps of Royal Marines, in the hope it might be competed for by Royal Marines association football teams.[16][17] The Royal Marines named the trophy the "Tunney Cup," in honor of then–USMC Captain Tunney, who, with Sergeant Major Charles R. Francis, presented the trophy on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps.[16][17]

Cultural references[]

Stamp honoring Tunney

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis had a comedy routine in which Lewis (in boxing shorts and gear) states he's fight'n Gene Tierney (the actress). Martin corrects Lewis and suggests that he must mean "Gene Tunney." Lewis then quips "You fight who you wanna fight, I'm fight'n who I wanna fight, I'm fight'n Gene Tierney."[18]

In the song She Twists the Knife Again from Richard Thompson's 1985 album Across a Crowded Room, describing the mismatched intensity in a strife-ladened relationship, Thompson writes: "I'm in a fist fight/She thinks she's Gene Tunney!"

He's also mentioned in Act 1 of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman: Willy tells his sons he has a punching bag with Tunney's signature on it.

Mentioned in "A Whistle in the Dark" (Act 1, pg. 31) by Tom Murphy : 'in the words of the great Gene Tunney, a man must fight back. His father was a Mayoman too'.

Mentioned in the short story "Fallon" by JD Luther, when imprisoned character Tyson Wayne Vance recalls his abusive father, "Was more than one night momma'd look like she went fifteen rounds with Gene Tunney...",

In the 1932 boxing film Winner Take All, James Cagney's character Jimmy Kane—a has-been former champion trying to get educated—laments that William Shakespeare was "the one who ruined Gene Tunney."

The novelette "A KO for Christmas" by Shawn Pollock features a character, Stitch Stanford, who hopes to fight Gene Tunney for the heavyweight title.

Professional boxing record[]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[19] unless otherwise stated.

Official record[]

Professional record summary hide
85 fights 65 wins 1 loss
By knockout 48 0
By decision 17 1
Draws 1
No contests 1
Newspaper decisions/draws 17

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted as a win, loss or draw.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
85 Win 65–1–1 (18) New Zealand Tom Heeney TKO 11 (15), 2:52 26 Jul 1928 United States Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles
84 Win 64–1–1 (18) United States Jack Dempsey UD 10 22 Sep 1927 United States Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles
83 Win 63–1–1 (18) United States Jack Dempsey UD 10 23 Sep 1926 United States Sesquicentennial Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Won NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles
82 Win 62–1–1 (18) United States Dan O'Dowd KO 2 (10), 0:31 29 Dec 1925 United States Waterfront Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
81 Win 61–1–1 (18) United States Johnny Risko NWS 12 18 Nov 1925 United States Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
80 Win 61–1–1 (17) Republic of Ireland Bartley Madden KO 3 (10) 25 Sep 1925 United States Minneapolis Arena, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
79 Win 60–1–1 (17) United States Italian Jack Herman KO 2 (10) 3 Jul 1925 United States Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
78 Win 59–1–1 (17) United States Tommy Gibbons KO 12 (15) 5 Jun 1925 United States Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 58–1–1 (17) United States Harry Greb NWS 10 27 Mar 1925 United States Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
76 Win 58–1–1 (16) United States Jeff Smith NWS 15 8 Dec 1924 United States Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
75 Win 58–1–1 (15) United States Buddy McHale TKO 2 (8) 10 Nov 1924 United States Southern Athletic Club, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
74 Win 57–1–1 (15) United States Harry Foley TKO 1 (8), 2:05 27 Oct 1924 United States Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
73 Win 56–1–1 (15) United States Ray Neuman PTS 10 27 Sep 1924 United States Cambria County Fairgrounds, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
72 Draw 55–1–1 (15) United States Harry Greb NWS 10 17 Sep 1924 United States Olympic Arena, Brooklyn, Ohio, U.S.
71 Win 55–1–1 (14) United States Joe Lohman TKO 8 (12) 18 Aug 1924 United States Fairmont Arena, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
70 Win 54–1–1 (14) France Georges Carpentier TKO 15 (15), 0:14 24 Jul 1924 United States Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
69 Win 53–1–1 (14) Italy Erminio Spalla TKO 7 (12) 26 Jun 1924 United States Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Win 52–1–1 (14) United States Jimmy Delaney NWS 10 17 Mar 1924 United States Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
67 Win 52–1–1 (13) United States Martin Burke PTS 15 15 Feb 1924 United States Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
66 Win 51–1–1 (13) United States Ray Thompson KO 2 (10) 24 Jan 1924 United States Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
65 Win 50–1–1 (13) United States Harry Foley NWS 10 15 Jan 1924 United States Coliseum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
64 Win 50–1–1 (12) United States Harry Greb UD 15 10 Dec 1923 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained ABA light-heavyweight title
63 Win 49–1–1 (12) United States Dan O'Dowd PTS 12 31 Jul 1923 United States Queensboro Stadium, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Win 48–1–1 (12) United States Jimmy Delaney NWS 10 16 May 1923 United States Chicago Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
61 Win 48–1–1 (11) United States Jack Clifford TKO 8 (10) 7 May 1923 United States Fair Grounds Coliseum, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
60 Win 47–1–1 (11) United States Harry Greb SD 15 23 Feb 1923 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Won ABA light-heavyweight title
59 Win 46–1–1 (11) United States Chuck Wiggins PTS 12 3 Feb 1923 United States Commonwealth Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 NC 45–1–1 (11) Canada Jack Renault NC 4 (8) 29 Jan 1923 United States Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
57 Win 45–1–1 (10) Austria Charley Weinert KO 4 (15) 29 Nov 1922 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 44–1–1 (10) United States Jack Hanlon KO 1 (12), 1:22 3 Nov 1922 United States Clermont Avenue Skating Rink, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
55 Win 43–1–1 (10) United States Chuck Wiggins PTS 10 27 Oct 1922 United States Mechanics Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Draw 42–1–1 (10) United States Tommy Loughran NWS 8 24 Aug 1922 United States Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Win 42–1–1 (9) Austria Charley Weinert NWS 12 17 Aug 1922 United States Broad Athletic Club, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
52 Win 42–1–1 (8) United States Ray Thompson KO 3 (10) 4 Aug 1922 United States Ocean Park Casino, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
51 Win 41–1–1 (8) United States Fay Keiser PTS 12 7 Jul 1922 United States Rockaway Beach Arena, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Loss 40–1–1 (8) United States Harry Greb UD 15 23 May 1922 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost ABA light-heavyweight title
49 Win 40–0–1 (8) United States Jack Burke TKO 9 (10) 10 Apr 1922 United States Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
48 Win 39–0–1 (8) United States Fay Keiser NWS 10 3 Mar 1922 United States Armory, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
47 Win 39–0–1 (7) United States Whitey Wenzel TKO 4 (8) 14 Feb 1922 United States Philadelphia_Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46 Win 38–0–1 (7) United States Jack Clifford TKO 6 (12), 2:50 11 Feb 1922 United States Clermont Avenue Skating Rink, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Win 37–0–1 (7) United States Battling Levinsky PTS 12 13 Jan 1922 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant ABA light-heavyweight title
44 Win 36–0–1 (7) United States Eddie O'Hare KO 6 (8) 22 Dec 1921 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 35–0–1 (7) Norway Wolf Larsen TKO 7 (12), 1:35 25 Oct 1921 United States Pioneer Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Win 34–0–1 (7) United States Jack Burke TKO 3 (8) 14 Oct 1921 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
41 Win 33–0–1 (7) United Kingdom Herbert Crossley PTS 7 26 Sep 1921 United States Dyckman Oval, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 32–0–1 (7) United States Eddie Josephs PTS 12 18 Aug 1921 United States Sisco Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Win 31–0–1 (7) United States Martin Burke PTS 10 4 Aug 1921 United States Dyckman Oval, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 30–0–1 (7) Canada Soldier Jones TKO 7 (8) 2 Jul 1921 United States Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
37 Win 29–0–1 (7) United States Johnny Ambrose KO 1 (12), 2:45 28 Jun 1921 United States Pioneer Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
36 Win 28–0–1 (7) United States Leo Hauck NWS 10 7 Dec 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
35 Win 28–0–1 (6) United States Leo Hauck NWS 6 25 Nov 1920 United States Olympia Athletic Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Win 28–0–1 (5) Germany Paul Samson Koerner NWS 10 25 Oct 1920 United States 6th Regiment Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
33 Win 28–0–1 (4) United States Sergeant Ray Smith TKO 2 (8) 22 Oct 1920 United States Sportsman's Club, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
32 Win 27–0–1 (4) United States Ole Anderson TKO 3 (10), 0:40 28 Jun 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
31 Win 26–0–1 (4) United States Jeff Madden TKO 2 (12) 7 Jun 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Win 25–0–1 (4) United States Jack Clifford KO 3 (10) 9 Apr 1920 United States Community Hall, Johnson City, New York, U.S.
29 Win 24–0–1 (4) United States K.O. Sullivan KO 1 (8), 2:15 5 Apr 1920 United States 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
28 Win 23–0–1 (4) United States Ed Kinley KO 5 (8) 4 Mar 1920 United States Grand View Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
27 Win 22–0–1 (4) United States Al Roberts KO 8 (8), 1:06 2 Feb 1920 United States 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 21–0–1 (4) United States Jim Monahan KO 1 (8), 2:50 26 Jan 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 20–0–1 (4) United States Bud Nelson KO 1 (8) 20 Jan 1920 United States Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
24 Win 19–0–1 (4) United States Whitey Allen KO 2 (8) 1 Jan 1920 United States Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
23 Win 18–0–1 (4) United States Bob Pearce KO 2 (8) 29 Dec 1919 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
22 Win 17–0–1 (4) United States Dan O'Dowd NWS 8 16 Dec 1919 United States Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Win 17–0–1 (3) United States Ted Jamieson PTS 10 26 Apr 1919 France Cirque de Paris, Paris, France Won American Expeditionary Forces light-heavyweight title
20 Win 16–0–1 (3) United States K.O. Sullivan PTS 10 14 Apr 1919 France Paris, France
19 Win 15–0–1 (3) France Dare Lewis KO 3 31 Mar 1919 France Tours, Paris, France
18 Win 14–0–1 (3) United States Bob Martin PTS 4 27 Jan 1919 France Salle Wagram, Paris, France
17 Win 13–0–1 (3) France Victor Marchand KO 2 9 Jan 1919 France Paris, France
16 Draw 12–0–1 (3) United States Tommy Gavigan PTS 10 20 Dec 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
15 Win 12–0 (3) United States Howard Morrow KO 6 10 Dec 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
14 Win 11–0 (3) United States Johnny Newton KO 6 20 Nov 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
13 Win 10–0 (3) Germany Hank Werhl KO 6 1 Nov 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
12 Win 9–0 (3) United States Young Guerini KO 1 (8) 8 Jul 1918 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Win 8–0 (3) United States Virgin Islands Hugh Weir KO 2 (10) 15 Jan 1918 United States Pioneer Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
10 Win 7–0 (3) United States Joe Borrell KO 2 (10) 28 Dec 1917 United States New Polo Athletic Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
9 Win 6–0 (3) United States Sailor Wolfe KO 2 (10) 29 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 5–0 (3) United States George Leahy NWS 6 22 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 5–0 (2) United States Young Sharkey KO 6 (10) 15 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
6 Win 4–0 (2) United States Young Guerini TKO 8 (10) 8 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Draw 3–0 (2) United States KO Jaffe NWS 10 21 Jul 1916 United States New Polo Athletic Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 3–0 (1) United States Billy Rowe NWS 6 1 Dec 1915 United States Fairmont Athletic Club, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States George Leahy KO 2 (6) 28 Aug 1915 United States Fairmont Athletic Club, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Battling Genrimo KO 3 (10) 6 Aug 1915 United States Miner's Bowery Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Bobby Dawson TKO 8 (10) 3 Jul 1915 United States Sharkey Athletic Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.

Unofficial record[]

Professional record summary hide
85 fights 79 wins 1 loss
By knockout 48 0
By decision 31 1
Draws 4
No contests 1

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions to the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location hideNotes
85 Win 79–1–4 (1) New Zealand Tom Heeney TKO 11 (15), 2:52 26 Jul 1928 United States Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles
84 Win 78–1–4 (1) United States Jack Dempsey UD 10 22 Sep 1927 United States Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles
83 Win 77–1–4 (1) United States Jack Dempsey UD 10 23 Sep 1926 United States Sesquicentennial Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Won NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles
82 Win 76–1–4 (1) United States Dan O'Dowd KO 2 (10), 0:31 29 Dec 1925 United States Waterfront Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
81 Win 75–1–4 (1) United States Johnny Risko NWS 12 18 Nov 1925 United States Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
80 Win 74–1–4 (1) Republic of Ireland Bartley Madden KO 3 (10) 25 Sep 1925 United States Minneapolis Arena, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
79 Win 73–1–4 (1) United States Italian Jack Herman KO 2 (10) 3 Jul 1925 United States Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
78 Win 72–1–4 (1) United States Tommy Gibbons KO 12 (15) 5 Jun 1925 United States Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 71–1–4 (1) United States Harry Greb NWS 10 27 Mar 1925 United States Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
76 Win 70–1–4 (1) United States Jeff Smith NWS 15 8 Dec 1924 United States Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
75 Win 69–1–4 (1) United States Buddy McHale TKO 2 (8) 10 Nov 1924 United States Southern Athletic Club, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
74 Win 68–1–4 (1) United States Harry Foley TKO 1 (8), 2:05 27 Oct 1924 United States Auditorium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
73 Win 67–1–4 (1) United States Ray Neuman PTS 10 27 Sep 1924 United States Cambria County Fairgrounds, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
72 Draw 66–1–4 (1) United States Harry Greb NWS 10 17 Sep 1924 United States Olympic Arena, Brooklyn, Ohio, U.S.
71 Win 66–1–3 (1) United States Joe Lohman TKO 8 (12) 18 Aug 1924 United States Fairmont Arena, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
70 Win 65–1–3 (1) France Georges Carpentier TKO 15 (15), 0:14 24 Jul 1924 United States Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
69 Win 64–1–3 (1) Kingdom of Italy Erminio Spalla TKO 7 (12) 26 Jun 1924 United States Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Win 63–1–3 (1) United States Jimmy Delaney NWS 10 17 Mar 1924 United States Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
67 Win 62–1–3 (1) United States Martin Burke PTS 15 15 Feb 1924 United States Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
66 Win 61–1–3 (1) United States Ray Thompson KO 2 (10) 24 Jan 1924 United States Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
65 Win 60–1–3 (1) United States Harry Foley NWS 10 15 Jan 1924 United States Coliseum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
64 Win 59–1–3 (1) United States Harry Greb UD 15 10 Dec 1923 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained ABA light-heavyweight title
63 Win 58–1–3 (1) United States Dan O'Dowd PTS 12 31 Jul 1923 United States Queensboro Stadium, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Win 57–1–3 (1) United States Jimmy Delaney NWS 10 16 May 1923 United States Chicago Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
61 Win 56–1–3 (1) United States Jack Clifford TKO 8 (10) 7 May 1923 United States Fair Grounds Coliseum, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
60 Win 55–1–3 (1) United States Harry Greb SD 15 23 Feb 1923 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Won ABA light-heavyweight title
59 Win 54–1–3 (1) United States Chuck Wiggins PTS 12 3 Feb 1923 United States Commonwealth Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 NC 53–1–3 (1) Canada Jack Renault NC 4 (8) 29 Jan 1923 United States Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
57 Win 53–1–3 Austria Charley Weinert KO 4 (15) 29 Nov 1922 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 52–1–3 United States Jack Hanlon KO 1 (12), 1:22 3 Nov 1922 United States Clermont Avenue Skating Rink, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
55 Win 51–1–3 United States Chuck Wiggins PTS 10 27 Oct 1922 United States Mechanics Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Draw 50–1–3 United States Tommy Loughran NWS 8 24 Aug 1922 United States Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Win 50–1–2 Austria Charley Weinert NWS 12 17 Aug 1922 United States Broad Athletic Club, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
52 Win 49–1–2 United States Ray Thompson KO 3 (10) 4 Aug 1922 United States Ocean Park Casino, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
51 Win 48–1–2 United States Fay Keiser PTS 12 7 Jul 1922 United States Rockaway Beach Arena, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Loss 47–1–2 United States Harry Greb UD 15 23 May 1922 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost ABA light-heavyweight title
49 Win 47–0–2 United States Jack Burke TKO 9 (10) 10 Apr 1922 United States Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
48 Win 46–0–2 United States Fay Keiser NWS 10 3 Mar 1922 United States Armory, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
47 Win 45–0–2 United States Whitey Wenzel TKO 4 (8) 14 Feb 1922 United States Philadelphia_Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46 Win 44–0–2 United States Jack Clifford TKO 6 (12), 2:50 11 Feb 1922 United States Clermont Avenue Skating Rink, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Win 43–0–2 United States Battling Levinsky PTS 12 13 Jan 1922 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant ABA light-heavyweight title
44 Win 42–0–2 United States Eddie O'Hare KO 6 (8) 22 Dec 1921 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 41–0–2 Norway Wolf Larsen TKO 7 (12), 1:35 25 Oct 1921 United States Pioneer Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Win 40–0–2 United States Jack Burke TKO 3 (8) 14 Oct 1921 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
41 Win 39–0–2 United Kingdom Herbert Crossley PTS 7 26 Sep 1921 United States Dyckman Oval, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 38–0–2 United States Eddie Josephs PTS 12 18 Aug 1921 United States Sisco Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Win 37–0–2 United States Martin Burke PTS 10 4 Aug 1921 United States Dyckman Oval, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 36–0–2 Canada Soldier Jones TKO 7 (8) 2 Jul 1921 United States Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
37 Win 35–0–2 United States Johnny Ambrose KO 1 (12), 2:45 28 Jun 1921 United States Pioneer Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
36 Win 34–0–2 United States Leo Hauck NWS 10 7 Dec 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
35 Win 33–0–2 United States Leo Hauck NWS 6 25 Nov 1920 United States Olympia Athletic Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Win 32–0–2 Germany Paul Samson Koerner NWS 10 25 Oct 1920 United States 6th Regiment Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
33 Win 31–0–2 United States Sergeant Ray Smith TKO 2 (8) 22 Oct 1920 United States Sportsman's Club, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
32 Win 30–0–2 United States Ole Anderson TKO 3 (10), 0:40 28 Jun 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
31 Win 29–0–2 United States Jeff Madden TKO 2 (12) 7 Jun 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Win 28–0–2 United States Jack Clifford KO 3 (10) 9 Apr 1920 United States Community Hall, Johnson City, New York, U.S.
29 Win 27–0–2 United States K.O. Sullivan KO 1 (8), 2:15 5 Apr 1920 United States 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
28 Win 26–0–2 United States Ed Kinley KO 5 (8) 4 Mar 1920 United States Grand View Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
27 Win 25–0–2 United States Al Roberts KO 8 (8), 1:06 2 Feb 1920 United States 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 24–0–2 United States Jim Monahan KO 1 (8), 2:50 26 Jan 1920 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 23–0–2 United States Bud Nelson KO 1 (8) 20 Jan 1920 United States Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
24 Win 22–0–2 United States Whitey Allen KO 2 (8) 1 Jan 1920 United States Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
23 Win 21–0–2 United States Bob Pearce KO 2 (8) 29 Dec 1919 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
22 Win 20–0–2 United States Dan O'Dowd NWS 8 16 Dec 1919 United States Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Win 19–0–2 United States Ted Jamieson PTS 10 26 Apr 1919 France Cirque de Paris, Paris, France Won American Expeditionary Forces light-heavyweight title
20 Win 18–0–2 United States K.O. Sullivan PTS 10 14 Apr 1919 France Paris, France
19 Win 17–0–2 France Dare Lewis KO 3 31 Mar 1919 France Tours, Paris, France
18 Win 16–0–2 United States Bob Martin PTS 4 27 Jan 1919 France Salle Wagram, Paris, France
17 Win 15–0–2 France Victor Marchand KO 2 9 Jan 1919 France Paris, France
16 Draw 14–0–2 United States Tommy Gavigan PTS 10 20 Dec 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
15 Win 14–0–1 United States Howard Morrow KO 6 10 Dec 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
14 Win 13–0–1 United States Johnny Newton KO 6 20 Nov 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
13 Win 12–0–1 Germany Hank Werhl KO 6 1 Nov 1918 France Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, France
12 Win 11–0–1 United States Young Guerini KO 1 (8) 8 Jul 1918 United States 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Win 10–0–1 United States Virgin Islands Hugh Weir KO 2 (10) 15 Jan 1918 United States Pioneer Sporting Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
10 Win 9–0–1 United States Joe Borrell KO 2 (10) 28 Dec 1917 United States New Polo Athletic Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 United States Sailor Wolfe KO 2 (10) 29 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 United States George Leahy NWS 6 22 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 United States Young Sharkey KO 6 (10) 15 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 United States Young Guerini TKO 8 (10) 8 Dec 1916 United States Miners 8th St Theater, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Draw 4–0–1 United States KO Jaffe NWS 10 21 Jul 1916 United States New Polo Athletic Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 United States Billy Rowe NWS 6 1 Dec 1915 United States Fairmont Athletic Club, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States George Leahy KO 2 (6) 28 Aug 1915 United States Fairmont Athletic Club, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Battling Genrimo KO 3 (10) 6 Aug 1915 United States Miner's Bowery Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Bobby Dawson TKO 8 (10) 3 Jul 1915 United States Sharkey Athletic Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Morris, Edmund (2001). The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. New York: Random House. p. xvii. ISBN 9781400069651.
  2. ^ "Tunney was Lumberjack for Ottawa Company". The Globe. September 28, 1926. p. 9.
  3. ^ "D-Day vet relives battle with GW sailors - All Hands, The Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin; August 1994; page 47" (PDF). navy.mil. United States Navy Websites. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
  4. ^ https://www.leagle.com/decision/1981154242mhtcm150011197
  5. ^ https://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-14/sports/sp-850_1_gene-tunney
  6. ^ (State), California. "California. Court of Appeal (1st Appellate District). Records and Briefs: A041019, Respondent Brief".
  7. ^ "Served as Sonoma County district attorney from 1974 to 1994". 13 August 2009.
  8. ^ Deceased Members - Mount Holyoke College
  9. ^ "Tunney's Daughter Accused of Slaying Husband". The New York Times. 30 March 1970.
  10. ^ Brubach, Holly (24 February 2002). "The Thoroughbred Crazies". The New York Times.
  11. ^ https://www.ebay.com/itm/372314848170
  12. ^ "EBay".
  13. ^ "The Nevada Daily Mail - Google News Archive Search".
  14. ^ "Mr. Tunney's Letters". The Daily Herald. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  15. ^ "Tunney, Boxing Champion Who Beat Dempsey, Dies. Lectured on Shakespeare". New York Times. November 8, 1978. Retrieved 2008-10-16. Gene Tunney, the former heavyweight boxing champion who twice defeated Jack Dempsey, died yesterday at the Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut. He was 80 years old and had been suffering from a circulation ailment.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b Foster, Shaun. "A Brief History of the Royal Marines Football Association". Royal Marines Football Association. Archived from the original on 2016-02-23. Retrieved 2017-03-14.
  17. ^ Jump up to: a b "The USMC Challenge Trophy (The Tunney Cup)". Royal Marines Football Association. Archived from the original on 2016-02-23. Retrieved 2017-03-14.
  18. ^ Gene Tierney: A Shattered Portrait, The Biography Channel. March 26, 1999
  19. ^ https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9046

External links[]

Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by
Jack Dempsey
The Ring heavyweight champion
September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928
Vacant
Title next held by
Max Schmeling
World heavyweight champion
September 23, 1926 – July 31, 1928
Retrieved from ""