Gene Tunney

[Dr. Z]

James Joseph "Gene" Tunney wasn't just another name in the boxing world; he was a legend who broke the mold. Tunney's brilliance in the ring came from his meticulous study of opponents and his "scientific" approach to boxing. Out of nearly 70 career bouts, he only tasted defeat once. But here's where it gets fascinating: Tunney was no ordinary boxer. He devoured Shakespeare and poetry, delivering lectures on the Bard at Yale University post-retirement. His intellectual prowess set him apart in a sport often seen as raw and brutal. Born on May 25, 1898, in New York City to an Irish immigrant longshoreman, Tunney's journey was anything but smooth. At 15, he worked with the Ocean Steamship Company and later became a rate clerk. A graduate of La Salle Academy, Tunney's passion for boxing began at the Village Athletic Club, sparring with professionals. World W@r 1 saw him rejected and then accepted into the U.S. Marine Corps, where he fought and won the light heavyweight championship of the American Expeditionary Force. Post-w@r, his professional career skyrocketed.

Despite a hand injury in 1921, he amassed 24 consecutive wins and eventually clinched the American light heavyweight title by defeating Battling Levinsky. Tunney's only career loss came in 1922 against Harry Greb, ( Alleged clash of heads in round one ) but he rebounded, reclaiming the title in a thrilling rematch. His victory over French champion Georges Carpentier in 1924 was another highlight, with Tunney knocking Carpentier down four times in one round. By 1925, Tunney had transitioned to the heavyweight division, defeating major contenders and securing a legendary bout against Jack Dempsey in 1926. Tunney's triumph in front of a record 120,000 spectators earned him the heavyweight champion title. Their rematch in 1927, famous for the "long count" controversy, solidified Tunney's legacy as he retained his title. Realizing the dangers of boxing, especially after suffering partial amnesia, Tunney retired undefeated at heavyweight in 1928 after defeating Tom Heeney. He transitioned seamlessly into business, serving on several corporate boards and contributing to youth organizations. Tunney's personal life saw him marry into the Carnegie fortune and raise four children, one of whom became a U.S. Senator. During WWll, he directed the U.S. Navy's physical fitness program, continuing his advocacy for health and fitness.

Personally I don't see a difference between 175 LBS and 90% of the skilled heavyweights of the times. Tunney was also the heavyweight champ weight 192 @ LBS. His early retirement at age 31 cost him a bigger heavyweight legacy

[QueensburyRules]

- - He was always aiming for politics and high society and succeeded in both.

[JAB5239]

James Joseph "Gene" Tunney wasn't just another name in the boxing world; he was a legend who broke the mold. Tunney's brilliance in the ring came from his meticulous study of opponents and his "scientific" approach to boxing. Out of nearly 70 career bouts, he only tasted defeat once. But here's where it gets fascinating: Tunney was no ordinary boxer. He devoured Shakespeare and poetry, delivering lectures on the Bard at Yale University post-retirement. His intellectual prowess set him apart in a sport often seen as raw and brutal. Born on May 25, 1898, in New York City to an Irish immigrant longshoreman, Tunney's journey was anything but smooth. At 15, he worked with the Ocean Steamship Company and later became a rate clerk. A graduate of La Salle Academy, Tunney's passion for boxing began at the Village Athletic Club, sparring with professionals. World W@r 1 saw him rejected and then accepted into the U.S. Marine Corps, where he fought and won the light heavyweight championship of the American Expeditionary Force. Post-w@r, his professional career skyrocketed.

Despite a hand injury in 1921, he amassed 24 consecutive wins and eventually clinched the American light heavyweight title by defeating Battling Levinsky. Tunney's only career loss came in 1922 against Harry Greb, ( Alleged clash of heads in round one ) but he rebounded, reclaiming the title in a thrilling rematch. His victory over French champion Georges Carpentier in 1924 was another highlight, with Tunney knocking Carpentier down four times in one round. By 1925, Tunney had transitioned to the heavyweight division, defeating major contenders and securing a legendary bout against Jack Dempsey in 1926. Tunney's triumph in front of a record 120,000 spectators earned him the heavyweight champion title. Their rematch in 1927, famous for the "long count" controversy, solidified Tunney's legacy as he retained his title. Realizing the dangers of boxing, especially after suffering partial amnesia, Tunney retired undefeated in 1928 after defeating Tom Heeney. He transitioned seamlessly into business, serving on several corporate boards and contributing to youth organizations. Tunney's personal life saw him marry into the Carnegie fortune and raise four children, one of whom became a U.S. Senator. During WWll, he directed the U.S. Navy's physical fitness program, continuing his advocacy for health and fitness.

Personally I don't see a differnce between 175 LBS an 90% of the skillled heavyweights of the times. Tunney was also the heavyweight champ weight 192 @ LBS. His early retirement at age 31 cost him a bigger heavyweight legacy.

Tunney was not undefeated.

[Willie Pep 229]

I think that was a mis-speak on Z's part.

Tunney is often referred to as the first HW Champion to retire undefeated, i.e. to not lose the title in the ring.

It often gets mis-spoken as 'retiring undefeated.' It shouldn't

Which of course brings up the whole Johnson-Jeffries mess. Did JJ have to win the title twice?

In some sense he did, as Jeffries then went from retired 'undefeated champion' to a defeated champion. Opening the door for Tunney to become the first HW Champion to retire 'undefeated.'

It is a poor use of the term but i have run into it before.

[Bronson66]

James Joseph "Gene" Tunney wasn't just another name in the boxing world; he was a legend who broke the mold. Tunney's brilliance in the ring came from his meticulous study of opponents and his "scientific" approach to boxing. Out of nearly 70 career bouts, he only tasted defeat once. But here's where it gets fascinating: Tunney was no ordinary boxer. He devoured Shakespeare and poetry, delivering lectures on the Bard at Yale University post-retirement. His intellectual prowess set him apart in a sport often seen as raw and brutal. Born on May 25, 1898, in New York City to an Irish immigrant longshoreman, Tunney's journey was anything but smooth. At 15, he worked with the Ocean Steamship Company and later became a rate clerk. A graduate of La Salle Academy, Tunney's passion for boxing began at the Village Athletic Club, sparring with professionals. World W@r 1 saw him rejected and then accepted into the U.S. Marine Corps, where he fought and won the light heavyweight championship of the American Expeditionary Force. Post-w@r, his professional career skyrocketed.

Despite a hand injury in 1921, he amassed 24 consecutive wins and eventually clinched the American light heavyweight title by defeating Battling Levinsky. Tunney's only career loss came in 1922 against Harry Greb, ( Alleged clash of heads in round one ) but he rebounded, reclaiming the title in a thrilling rematch. His victory over French champion Georges Carpentier in 1924 was another highlight, with Tunney knocking Carpentier down four times in one round. By 1925, Tunney had transitioned to the heavyweight division, defeating major contenders and securing a legendary bout against Jack Dempsey in 1926. Tunney's triumph in front of a record 120,000 spectators earned him the heavyweight champion title. Their rematch in 1927, famous for the "long count" controversy, solidified Tunney's legacy as he retained his title. Realizing the dangers of boxing, especially after suffering partial amnesia, Tunney retired undefeated at heavyweight in 1928 after defeating Tom Heeney. He transitioned seamlessly into business, serving on several corporate boards and contributing to youth organizations. Tunney's personal life saw him marry into the Carnegie fortune and raise four children, one of whom became a U.S. Senator. During WWll, he directed the U.S. Navy's physical fitness program, continuing his advocacy for health and fitness.

Personally I don't see a differnce between 175 LBS an 90% of the skillled heavyweights of the times. Tunney was also the heavyweight champ weight 192 @ LBS. His early retirement at age 31 cost him a bigger heavyweight legacy.

The only part of this that is Z's is the last 2 lines,you can tell that because that's when the spelling mistakes begin.lol

[billeau2]

- - He was always aiming for politics and high society and succeeded in both.

He was also a lover of libations! At least in his later years... You have a bond with Tunney! Good on ya!

[Bronson66]

He was also a lover of libations! At least in his later years... You have a bond with Tunney! Good on ya!

Yes he unfortunately became an alcoholic.

[QueensburyRules]

He was also a lover of libations! At least in his later years... You have a bond with Tunney! Good on ya!

- - Vitchy luv U like U luv tending
allen_ginsbergFlower.jpg

[billeau2]

- - Vitchy luv U like U luv tending
allen_ginsbergFlower.jpg

Good! Now could you use the same process and show proof of some of your "conspiracy theories?"

[Willow The Wisp]

- - Vitchy luv U like U luv tending
allen_ginsbergFlower.jpg

One of these days, you'll have to explain why Ginsberg and Kerouac are used as a pejorative.