Boxing Gloves, worn by Gene Tunney in the Long Count Fight
Boxing Gloves, worn by Gene Tunney in the Long Count Fight
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- Description (Brief)
- These boxing gloves were worn by heavyweight Gene Tunney “The Fighting Marine” (1879-1978) in the 1927 title match against Jack Dempsey (1895-1983) now known as “The Long Count Fight.” Tunney had previously defeated Dempsey in a fight held in Philadelphia in 1923, called at the time the “upset of the century.”
- The era's increasing acceptance of mass-entertainment, as well as fascination with the opposing public personas of the two fighters, found unprecedented interest in the rematch, held at Chicago’s Soldier Field. The fight became the first two million dollar gate in American history, and millions of listeners listened to it live over the new medium of radio. Tunney won the bout, but confusion over new rules created controversy: Dempsey's failure to follow new procedures and return to a neutral corner after knocking down Tunney in the seventh round resulted in a delayed count, apparently allowing Tunney more time to recover. The "Long Count" inspired public interest and media attention long after the event.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- boxing gloves
- gloves, boxing
- date made
- ca 1927
- user
- Tunney, Gene
- Physical Description
- leather (part: gloves (exterior) material)
- cotton (part: gloves (interior) material)
- metal (part: plaque material)
- paper (part: letter and envelope material)
- Measurements
- part: gloves: 11 in x 6 1/2 in x 3 1/4 in; 27.94 cm x 16.51 cm x 8.255 cm
- part: plaque: 3 in x 1 1/2 in x 3/4 in; 7.62 cm x 3.81 cm x 1.905 cm
- part: envelope: 5 3/4 in x 3 1/2 in; 14.605 cm x 8.89 cm
- part: letter: 11 in x 3 1/2 in; 27.94 cm x 8.89 cm
- ID Number
- 2011.0070.01
- accession number
- 2011.0070
- catalog number
- 2011.0070.01
- Credit Line
- Gift of Alexandra T. Kelly, Erin C. MacLeod, Ann M. Tunney, Jay R. Tunney, and John V. Tunney
- subject
- Boxing
- Sports
- Professional
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Sport and Leisure
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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