American · New Haven, USA · Born 25 May 1897American professional boxer who defeated Jack Dempsey twice to become heavyweight champion, retiring undefeated in 1928 with a 65-1-1 record.
Gene Tunney was the heavyweight champion of the world who twice defeated the legendary Jack Dempsey, most famously in the 'Long Count' fight of 1927 when a controversial knockdown count allowed him to recover and win. An intelligent, scientific boxer who used footwork and jab rather than brawling, Tunney retired undefeated as heavyweight champion and was one of the most cerebral boxers of his era.
Famous For
Defeating Jack Dempsey twice for heavyweight championship
Playing Style
How They Played
Scientific boxer with superior footwork and defensive skills
Legacy
Lasting Impact
One of boxing's greatest tacticians and only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion 1926
- Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion 1927
- Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion 1928
- Light Heavyweight Champion of the AEF (American Expeditionary Forces) 1919
- Retired undefeated as World Heavyweight Champion 1928
- Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year 1928
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame 1990
- Inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame
Career Journey
Timeline
1915
📌 Professional boxing debut
1918
🌍 Served in U.S. Marine Corps during World War I
1922
🏆 Won American light heavyweight championship
1926
🏆 Defeated Jack Dempsey for heavyweight title
1927
🏆 Defeated Dempsey in rematch (Long Count Fight)
1928
🎯 Retired as undefeated heavyweight champion
American Athletes