Gene Tunney

Gene Tunney ( born James Joseph Tunney, born May 25, 1897 in Greenwich Village, New York City, USA, † November 7, 1978 in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA) was American boxer and World Heavyweight Champion from 1926 to 1928 Tunney is. called the first true "Technician " in the boxing ring.

Professional career

Tunney began in 1915 with the professional boxing. He suffered his only defeat in 1922 in the light heavyweight division on points against a native of the middleweight Harry Greb, who gave him in the first round, broke his nose. He defeated Greb later, however, on several occasions.

In his World Championship win on points on 23 September 1926 heavyweight legend Jack Dempsey numerous spectators in the stadium of Philadelphia were disappointed that it as usual a fierce exchange of blows, but rather a tactical fight from a distance was not. The struggle was over ten rounds.

The rematch, also a Ten Round, took place on September 22, 1927 at Soldiers Field in Chicago. Tunney boxed Jack Dempsey again, but this sent Tunney in the seventh round with a combination to the ground. But forgot Dempsey, to go after the precipitate in the neutral corner, which is why the stall count was significantly delayed. Tunney was able to continue the fight, Dempsey reflected in the eighth round and win on points, but the myth of the " Long Counts" was (literally: long standing count ), as Tunney was just under 15 seconds at the bottom and therefore Dempsey many saw as a winner.

1928 Gene Tunney resigned. He was the first heavyweight champion, the undefeated resigned as reigning champions. The only one who managed to exceed it was Rocky Marciano in 1956.

1990 Tunney was induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Others

He married Polly Lauder, heir of the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. They had four children. His son John Varick was from 1970 to 1976 Senator for California.

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