Tunney, Gene James Joseph (1898-1978)

US boxer. As a professional he won the US light-heavyweight title 1922. He began to fight as a heavyweight in 1924 and was the upset winner over heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey 1926. Tunney retained the title against Dempsey in the famous ‘Long Count’ bout 1927 and retired undefeated 1928.

Born in New York, Tunney attended LaSalle Academy and worked as a steamship clerk 1912-17. As an amateur boxer, he won the US armed-forces championship in Paris, France, 1919. After his retirement from boxing, he became successful in business and published A Man Must Fight 1932 and Arms for Living 1941.