Gene Tunney

Lore & Background

He had a five-fight rivalry with Greb, winning three, losing once, and drawing once, though many ringside reporters believed Greb should have won their second meeting. Tunney was a thinking fighter who preferred a chess-like boxing style, influenced by James J. He was never knocked out and only knocked down once, in the Long Count Fight.

Reader's Guide

Gene Tunney's significance lies in his technical mastery and his role in one of boxing's most iconic moments, the Long Count Fight. He is one of only five heavyweight champions to retire without suffering a stoppage defeat and one of four to retire as champion with a win in a world title fight. His legacy endures through his induction into multiple halls of fame and the Tunney Cup, a trophy presented by the U.S.

Did You Know?

• Tunney lost only one official professional fight, to Harry Greb, while fighting as a light heavyweight.
• Tunney was never knocked out and only knocked down once, in the Long Count Fight against Jack Dempsey.