Gene Tunney was an American professional boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1926 to 1928. He is best known for his victory over Jack Dempsey in the famous 'long count' fight of 1927. He was also known as 'The Fighting Marine' due to his service in the United States Marine Corps during World War I. After retiring from boxing, Tunney became a successful businessman and philanthropist. He died in 1978 at the age of 81.