TUNNEY, GENE ORIGINAL FAREWELL TO BOXING LUNCHEON PHOTO (1928)

James Joseph "Gene" Tunney (May 25, 1897 – November 7, 1978) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1915 to 1928. He held the world heavyweight title from 1926 to 1928, and the American light heavyweight title twice, from 1922 to 1923. A highly technical boxer, Tunney had a five-fight rivalry with Harry Greb in which he won three, drew once, with one loss. He also knocked out Georges Carpentier and defeated Jack Dempsey twice; first in 1926 and again in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey remains one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight. He retired undefeated as a heavyweight after his victory over Tom Heeney in 1928, after which Tunney was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine. Offered here is an original, first generation, photograph depicting Gene Tunney and guests at his farewell to boxing luncheon at the Biltmore in New York on July 31, 1928. Tunney is seated at the dais.
This is an original, large format, first generation photo. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Photographer stamp for Drucker & Baltes of New York at lower right corner. Clipped upper right corner border. Crease on lower left side. No tack holes. 12" x 16 3/4."