Gene Tunney

Gene Tunney, known as "The Fighting Marine," had an illustrious professional boxing career that spanned over a decade in the early 1900s. He won most of his 85 fights, with his astounding record of 79-1-4 and 48 knockout wins cementing his place as one of boxing's all-time greats.

At the age of 18, Gene Tunney made his professional debut against Bobby Dawson, whom he defeated via an 8th round TKO. He won three more consecutive fights, which included two wins by stoppage.

Tunney's first world title fight was against Jack Dempsey for the heavyweight NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring titles at the age of 29. He defeated Dempsey via a 10 round unanimous decision, becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. He won one world title at heavyweight and defended it twice.

Throughout his career, Tunney had numerous notable victories, including wins over seven Hall-of-Famers such as Jack Dempsey, Tommy Gibbons, Harry Greb, Jeff Smith, Georges Carpentier, Battling Levinsky, and Leo Hauck. Some of his other significant victories were against Tom Heeney and Erminio Spalla.

Tunney's one and only loss was to Harry Greb via a 15 round unanimous decision on May 23, 1922, ending his 47-fight winning streak. Greb is the only boxer to have beaten Tunney in all of his professional boxing career.

Tunney's career highlights include his six most notable fights. His first significant performance occurred on February 23, 1923, when he defeated Harry Greb via a 15th round split-decision. He then went on to beat Greb via a 15th round unanimous decision on December 10, 1923, and a 10th round NWS on March 27, 1925. He won his first world title against Jack Dempsey through a 10 round unanimous decision on September 23, 1926, and successfully defended the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against Dempsey once again on September 22, 1927. Tunney's last successful defense happened on July 26, 1928, against Tom Heeney when he won via an 11th round TKO.

Tunney's astounding record of 79-1-4, which included 48 knockout wins, and one title win, speaks volumes about the kind of fighter he was. He was a tough and excellent boxer who had an impressive ability to read his opponents, making him a hard one to beat. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 for his exceptional performance in the sport that is still celebrated today.

Gene Tunney Fight Record