Member-only story

Gene Tunney: The Brainiest Champ Who Upset the Great Jack Dempsey

Rick Nelson

·11.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Tunney: Boxing S Brainiest Champ And His Upset Of The Great Jack Dempsey

6 min read · 2 weeks before

1.5k View Claps

88 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of boxing history, the name Gene Tunney stands out as a testament to intelligence, strategy, and the triumph of the underdog. Known as the "Brainiest Champ," Tunney's scientific approach to the sport and his keen intellect set him apart from his contemporaries, leading to one of the most remarkable upsets in boxing history: his victory over the legendary Jack Dempsey.

Tunney: Boxing's Brainiest Champ and His Upset of the Great Jack Dempsey

by Jack Cavanaugh

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4860 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	496 pages

Early Life and Boxing Beginnings

Born James Joseph Tunney in New York City on May 25, 1897, Gene Tunney was a bright and athletic child. He excelled in school and showed a particular aptitude for mathematics and science. After graduating from high school, Tunney enrolled at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

During his time at the academy, Tunney developed a strong interest in boxing. He became the academy's boxing champion and represented the Navy in several amateur tournaments. In 1918, Tunney graduated from Annapolis and served as a naval officer during World War I.

After the war, Tunney decided to pursue a professional boxing career. He made his debut in 1919 and quickly established himself as a promising fighter. Tunney's intelligence and analytical mind were evident in his fighting style. He studied his opponents carefully, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and devised strategies to exploit their vulnerabilities.

Rise to the Top

Tunney's rise through the boxing ranks was steady and methodical. He defeated some of the best fighters of his era, including Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, Tommy Loughran, and Harry Greb. By the mid-1920s, Tunney was considered one of the leading contenders for the world heavyweight championship held by Jack Dempsey.

Dempsey, known as the "Manassa Mauler," was one of the most feared and dominant boxers in history. He had held the heavyweight title since 1919 and had successfully defended it against all challengers. Dempsey was a powerful puncher with an intimidating presence, and many believed that he was unbeatable.

The Great Upset

Despite the odds stacked against him, Tunney remained confident in his ability to defeat Dempsey. He spent countless hours studying Dempsey's fighting style, developing strategies to neutralize his power and exploit his weaknesses.

The highly anticipated match took place on September 23, 1926, at Soldiers Field in Chicago, Illinois. A crowd of over 104,000 spectators witnessed the historic event.

The fight started with Dempsey charging at Tunney, trying to overwhelm him with his power. However, Tunney used his agility and footwork to evade Dempsey's punches while landing his own combinations. Tunney's scientific approach and intelligent boxing confounded Dempsey, who became increasingly frustrated as the fight progressed.

In the seventh round, Tunney delivered a devastating combination that sent Dempsey crashing to the canvas. Dempsey managed to get up, but he was clearly shaken. Tunney continued to outbox Dempsey in the following rounds, landing clean punches and controlling the pace of the fight.

In the eleventh round, Tunney dropped Dempsey with another combination. This time, Dempsey struggled to get up, and referee Dave Barry counted him out. Gene Tunney had pulled off one of the greatest upsets in boxing history, dethroning the seemingly invincible Jack Dempsey and becoming the new world heavyweight champion.

The "Long Count" Controversy

The aftermath of the Dempsey-Tunney fight was marred by controversy over a so-called "long count." In the seventh round, Dempsey had knocked Tunney down, but Tunney claimed that he had not been given a full ten seconds to recover. Tunney's supporters protested, and the incident became a major source of debate in the boxing world.

The controversy continued in the rematch between Dempsey and Tunney in 1927. This time, Dempsey knocked Tunney down in the sixth round, and the referee gave Tunney a full ten seconds to get up. Tunney rallied to win the fight by decision, but the "long count" controversy cast a shadow over his victory.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversy, Gene Tunney's legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time is secure. He was the only man to defeat Jack Dempsey twice, and he held the world heavyweight championship for five years before retiring in 1928.

Tunney's intelligent and scientific approach to boxing revolutionized the sport. He proved that it was possible to succeed in the ring not just through brute strength but also through strategy, intelligence, and discipline. Tunney's legacy continues to inspire boxers today, demonstrating that brains can triumph over brawn and that anyone can achieve great things with hard work and dedication.

Gene Tunney's upset of Jack Dempsey in 1926 stands as one of the most remarkable events in boxing history. It was a victory that defied expectations and proved that intelligence and strategy can triumph over raw power. Tunney's legacy as the "Brainiest Champ" continues to inspire boxers and fans alike, demonstrating that success in the ring is not just about physical strength but also about mental toughness and scientific precision.

Tunney: Boxing's Brainiest Champ and His Upset of the Great Jack Dempsey

by Jack Cavanaugh

4.5 out of 5