Gene Tunney

1897 - Born on the 25th of May in New York City.

1919 - In World War I, he served in the U.S. marines and in Paris won the light-heavyweight championship of the American Expeditionary Forces.

1922 - He defeated Battling Levinsky for the American light-heavyweight title, but lost it the same year to Harry Greb-the only fighter to defeat him in the professional ring, a defeat that he later avenged in four more fights against Greb. He was regarded as an extremely skillful boxer who excelled in defense.

1923 - He regained his title.  

1926 - He defeated Jack Dempsey in a 10-round decision in Philadelphia and became the world heavyweight champion.

        - He also had a brief acting career, starring in the movie The Fighting Marine.

1927 - In Chicago, he repeated this performance in a return bout with Dempsey; the decision was the subject of much controversy because of the famous "long count" after he was knocked down in the seventh round.

1928 - He well-proportioned, handsome, and intellectually inclined- he retired from the ring undefeated.

        - He was elected as Ring Magazine's first-ever Fighter of the Year.

1978 - Died on the 7th of November , aged 81, Tunney was interred in the Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut.

1980 - Elected to the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

1990 - Inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

2001 - Inducted in the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.