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| 1925 |
Gene Tunney was a professional boxer who held several titles during his career. He was known for his left jab and a measured tactical style. He was never knocked out although he was put down once. A left hook from Jack Dempsey in their second match up, the infamous Long Count Fight. Tunney beat Dempsey twice near the end of both their careers. Tuney would go on to defend his title and win one more time before retiring in 1928. He is one of five heavyweight champions to retire without knockout defeat.
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| Dempsey knocks Tunney down for long count 1927 |
Early in his career, Tunney often used keansburg as the base for his Spring training before fight season. Camp Jahn was a popular spot for German athletes while several other venues had boxing rings for sparring. Tunney often stayed at the McDonald Hotel, considered one of the finest such establishments in the area. The hotel had extensive gardens and a gymnasium.
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| McDonald Hotel |
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| McDonald Hotel Garden |
Catholic's were still a minority in Keansburg at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1910's, Catholic's were served by the pastor of St. Mary's Middletown. Reverend John E. Murray would celebrate mass in the McDonald Hotel and guards were posted by the doors to deter harassment from local Protestants. Much of the Protestant population saw Catholics as poor and undesirable. Gene Tunney, who trained in Keansburg, would often serve as one of these guards. Keansburg didn't have an independent parish until 1924 when Saint Ann's was established.
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| Gene Tunney Stamp |
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| Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey, Chicago 1927 |
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