Who is Gene Tunney? Meet the first ‘Fighter of the Year’ and Heavyweight boxing legend

Gene Tunney may have retired in 1928, but his influence in boxing lived on through one of the greatest fighters of all time.

The former world Heavyweight champion competed between 1915 and 1928, including a two-year spell as the world champion at the end of his career.

Gene Tunney was ahead of his time, moving like a lightweight but with the power of a Heavyweight. Muhammad Ali compared himself to Tunney, in what should be the highest honor a boxer can have.

Here is everything you need to know about Gene Tunney.

• READ MORE – Gene Tunney last fight won The Ring’s first ‘Fighter of the Year’ for his iconic 11th round knockout

Who is Gene Tunney?

How old is Gene Tunney?

Tunney was born on May 25, 1897, 128 years ago as of July 2025. He was born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents who fled to the United States after the potato famine. If he were alive now, he’d be 128 years old.

How did Gene Tunney die?

Tunney died of a heart issue on November 7, 1978. He was 81 years old when he passed away in Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut.

Why was Gene Tunney called ‘The Fighting Marine’?

Tunney was nicknamed “The Fighting Marine” because he served in the 11th Marine Regiment in France and Germany during the First World War.

However, despite the name, he saw no combat and spent most of the war as part of the Marine boxing team.

Gene Tunney’s boxing record

How much money did Gene Tunney make?

While no information about his total income from boxing has been reported, Tunney made an estimated $1 million for his two fights against Jack Dempsey, which is equivalent to tens of millions of dollars in 2025 money.

Gene Tunney vs Jack Dempsey

Tunney won back-to-back fights against the legendary Jack Dempsey in 1926 and 1927, winning the world Heavyweight title for the only time in his career.

The first fight was in the Sesquicentennial Stadium in Philadelphia, and thousands saw Dempsey beaten over ten rounds as Tunney handed him his first defeat in seven years.

The rematch a year later was known as the “Battle of the Long Count”, due to the controversial long count that could have affected the outcome.

Dempsey knocked down Tunney in the seventh round, but his failure to retire to his own corner while the referee counted delayed the knockdown, and gave Tunney more time to get to his feet and eventually win the match by unanimous decision.

Gene Tunney vs Tom Heeney

Tunney earned The Ring’s “Fight of the Year” award – the first man to be bestowed this honor – after his incredible fight against Tom Heeney.

He knocked out Heeney in the eleventh round after damaging his eye throughout the fight in one of the best fights of 1928.

Tunney retired just days after the fight, leaving the sport as the world Heavyweight champion.