Gene Tunney was one of the greatest light heavyweight and then heavyweight fighters of all time. Boxing at around the time of World War I Tunney emerged from the streets of New York City to become an accomplished pugilist. On May 2 1918 at the age of 20 Tunney enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Though he never saw action during his 17-month tenure in the Marines his enlistment would later serve as a source of patriotic pride for many fans and would become a successful promotional tool for his future career. Billed as The Fighting Marine Tunney would go on to eventually win the heavyweight championship of the world in 1926 by earning a well-deserved unanimous decision over reigning champion Jack Dempsey on September 23 at Sesquicentennial Stadium in Philadelphia. Tunney held the title through two successful defenses (including a second bout with Dempsey) until 1928 at which time he retired as world heavyweight champion. His final record was 65-1-1 with 47 knockouts.

This is Tunneys Navy blue cloth boxing robe that he wore during that time period with lining of red ribbed silk fabric and cuffs turned up to expose the inner lining. Patch pockets at breast and below waistline on both PL and PR front. Pockets and edges of robe are piped with a mauve colored twisted silk cord. Intricately woven belt in same material with large tassels at ends. Yellow applique on back in felt cloth shows the USMC Eagle Globe and Anchor emblem. Extremely fine workmanship. Robe shows light wear and has aged remarkably well for being almost 90 years old. Comes essentially as-issued and problem-free.

Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.