Gene Tunney

Date of Birth: May 25, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: November 7, 1978

Biography

James Joseph “Gene” Tunney was an American professional boxer who competed from 1915 to 1928. He was born in New York City and was raised in Greenwich Village. Tunney is best known for his fights with Jack Dempsey, winning the world heavyweight title from him in 1926 and successfully defending it in the infamous 1927 “Long Count” fight. He retired as an undefeated heavyweight champion, a rare feat in boxing history. Outside the ring, Tunney was known for his intellectual pursuits; he was an avid reader and often quoted poetry. After retiring from boxing, Tunney served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and later became a successful businessman. He married socialite Polly Lauder and had four children. Tunney passed away on November 7, 1978, in Greenwich, Connecticut.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Tunney

1. Gene Tunney compiled a professional boxing record of 65 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.

2. He was known for his defensive boxing style, which incorporated elements of scientific boxing.

3. Tunney served as a Marine during World War I and was later commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II.

4. He was an avid reader and had a personal library of over 7,000 books.

5. Tunney was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Tunney

1. “A boxer must exercise and develop every part of his body.”

2. “To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise.”

3. “The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.”

4. “I did not look for a fight, but I was prepared to face one if necessary.”

5. “The way to know about championship quality is to learn from champions, and that I did.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gene Tunney’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 million at the peak of his career, which would be significantly higher when adjusted for inflation today.

Children

Gene Tunney had four children with his wife, Polly Lauder Tunney: 1. Gene Tunney Jr. 2. Jonathan “Jay” Tunney 3. Joan Tunney 4. John V. Tunney (who later became a U.S. Senator from California).