Inducted into the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame, 2001 (charter
member).
Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, 1980.
He was the first heavyweight champ to win his title by decision. All
previous champions had won by knockout.
He had a brother, John, who died as a teenager. Gene named his son
after him.
Was a world heavy weight champion when he retired from the ring. He had
only one defeat during his pro-career.
World heavyweight boxing champion, 1926-1928.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 1990.
He had four children with his wife, Mary "Polly" Lauder: son, Gene Lauder Tunney; son, John V. Tunney; son, Jonathan R. Tunney; and daughter, Joan Lauder (born in 1939).
He never lost a fight in the heavyweight division.
Was only knocked down one time in more than 80 fights. His controversial "Long Count" is still debated today.
Was one of the first scientific boxers.
He nearly died after losing two pints of blood in his only career defeat. He went on to avenge that loss.
Was on the fight card for the first Million Dollar Gate.
Is mentioned by James Cagney in the boxing film Winner Take All (1932): When a woman asks his punchy character about Shakespeare, Cagney states that Shakespeare's "the fella who ruined Gene Tunny.".