96 years ago

Date: 26th July 1928

Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York

Title: World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Tex Rickard

Tv: Cinematic Film

Gene Tunney
( 79 - 1 - 3 )
Weight: 192 lbs

Tom Heeney
( 32 - 8 - 5 )
Weight: 203½ lbs

World Heavyweight champion, Gene Tunney made the second defense of his title on Thursday, 26th July 1928, at the Yankee Stadium in New York. Tunney, hailing from Greenwich, Connecticut, with an impressive record of 79-1-3, defended his title against Tom Heeney, the "Hard Rock" from Gisborne, New Zealand, boasting a record of 32-8-5. The match, promoted by Tex Rickard and refereed by Eddie Forbes, ended in Tunney's favor with a technical knockout at 2:52 of the 11th round, cementing his status in the annals of boxing history.

Heeney started the fight strong, forcing his way inside with gutsy gusto. However, the lighter Tunney, weighing in at 192 lbs compared to Heeney's 203½ lbs, skillfully utilized his speed and deft footwork to land a series of precise jabs and counter punches. The early rounds were filled with clinches, and despite Heeney's aggressive approach, Tunney dominated with more effective scoring.

As the match progressed, Tunney's steady work took a toll on Heeney, causing visible damage to his left eye by the eighth round. The relentless assault from Tunney forced Heeney into an uncharacteristic retreat. Despite the odds, Heeney continued to battle, displaying a commendable spirit that won him admiration, if not the match itself.

The 10th round saw Tunney's prowess in full effect, a double jab followed by a chopping right sent Heeney sprawling on the floor along the ropes. The round ended with Heeney visibly struggling, yet he still managed to rally for the 11th round. Here, Tunney expertly navigated the ring, exploiting his opponent's condition and landing short punches to both the face and body of the New Zealander.

Eddie Forbes, the referee, intervened in the face of Heeney's resolute determination to continue despite his deteriorating condition, ruling the match a technical knockout in favor of Tunney at 2:52 of the 11th round. There was no dissent from Heeney, who graciously accepted the outcome. The bout, grossing $691,014.50 and netting $521,422.23, along with Tunney's considerable purse of $525,000, provided a fitting end to the champion's boxing career as he announced his retirement just five days after the match.