The genius of Tunney

[billeau2]

Tunney used the old methods. If you watch this fight, notice how Gene always sets up at swords length away, he makes Heeney come into this gap, so he always controls the action. Tunney uses his angles at grappling range where he sets Heeney up for the overhand right. The genius of Tunney is in full display in this fight and it is the epitome of the preclassical boxing method. Just like a swordsman has to do because no one wants to get cut into, and as James Figg taught, Figg being a swordsman first and foremost, the combat takes place within a space between the two opponents. How one enters the space, controls the space through footwork, and uses proper distance, determines success. Tunney always has an out, he simply resets at the proper distance and makes Heeney have to come through the gap again, to try to hit him. Tunney does not use a jab, or a lead which was the starter punch prior to the jab... Instead Tunney uses feints. He also attacks on the perimeter of the space after Henney has committed himself stepping forwards.

[billeau2]

Compare to Spinks. Notice the difference in range. Both guys are right in the gap, Dwight uses shoulder movements and level changes to avoid the shots of Spinks. Spinks works off the jab to keep Dwight off of him. Totally different sense of distance, two distinct styles of boxing.

[JAB5239]

Nice breakdown of both their styles. Would be an interesting fight between the two.

[Slugfester]

I have heard but never been able to verify that Gene spent some time with or studied the craft with the Gibbons brothers in Minnesota I think it was. But you hear a lot of things you don't know the veracity of.

[billeau2]

Nice breakdown of both their styles. Would be an interesting fight between the two.

Oh Yes!

[billeau2]

I have heard but never been able to verify that Gene spent some time with or studied the craft with the Gibbons brothers in Minnesota I think it was. But you hear a lot of things you don't know the veracity of.

Tunney was a real learner... He was an autodidact and was always ready to work on his game. Here he is with Corbett for example.

[Dr. Z]

Tunney used the old methods. If you watch this fight, notice how Gene always sets up at swords length away, he makes Heeney come into this gap, so he always controls the action. Tunney uses his angles at grappling range where he sets Heeney up for the overhand right. The genius of Tunney is in full display in this fight and it is the epitome of the preclassical boxing method. Just like a swordsman has to do because no one wants to get cut into, and as James Figg taught, Figg being a swordsman first and foremost, the combat takes place within a space between the two opponents. How one enters the space, controls the space through footwork, and uses proper distance, determines success. Tunney always has an out, he simply resets at the proper distance and makes Heeney have to come through the gap again, to try to hit him. Tunney does not use a jab, or a lead which was the starter punch prior to the jab... Instead Tunney uses feints. He also attacks on the perimeter of the space after Henney has committed himself stepping forwards.

Tunney mastered a style and combined it with fast intelligent footwork. And yes he could feint well and change up his speed. For his day, Tunney had a good reach. And he knew how to use it. Not exclusively an outside perimeter fighter which his opponents with less reach could not match. He was a good in-fighter too. To this day he looks very good on film. As high of a boxing IQ as I've seen.

[billeau2]

Tunney mastered a style and combined it with fast intelligent footwork. And yes he could feint well and change up his speed. For his day, Tunney had a good reach. And he knew how to use it. Not exclusively an outside perimeter fighter which his opponents with less reach could not match. He was a good in-fighter too. To this day he looks very good on film. As high of a boxing IQ as I've seen.

He was excellent in the trenches (inside). Yeah I consider his fighting IQ off the charts as well.

[QueensburyRules]

Tunney was a real learner... He was an autodidact and was always ready to work on his game. Here he is with Corbett for example.

- - Corbett was a cadaver by then. It was just fake spar for cameras to roust up the rubes.

[Willow The Wisp]

A good appreciation for a true ring marvel.