Hall of Fame Professional Boxer. He was the World Middleweight Champion (1957). Widely believed, he was named after former boxer Gene Tunney, he was born into a Mormon family and endured a strict upbringing. He was introduced to the sport, when his father brought him and his two younger brothers to a local gym to watch the boxers work out. Following service with the United States Army during the Korean War, he turned professional in 1951 and won his first twenty-nine bouts, establishing himself as being one of the hardest punchers in his division. He also was known for his ability to absorb punishment without any fear or self-regard. In his first title fight in early 1957, he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in a unanimous decision for the Middleweight crown, but lost the title to Robinson in their rematch in Chicago. The bout saw Robinson deliver an unforgettable left hook to secure a fifth-round knockout. In 1959, Fullmer captured the NBA Title after defeating Carmen Basilio and went on to defend his belt against such opponents as Joey Giardello, Sugar Ray Robinson (third meeting), Carmen Basilio (second meeting) and Benny Paret. Fullmer lost the crown to Dick Tiger in 1962. He battled Tiger two more times, the second contest ended in a draw and the third resulted in a seventh-round knockout loss. He retired in 1963 after compiling a 55 win (24 knockouts), 6 loss and 3 draw record. Following his career as a fighter, he joined his brothers Don Fullmer and Jay Fullmer (who were also professional boxers) to work as a boxing coach and official. Along with his brothers, he founded the Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves franchise. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.
Hall of Fame Professional Boxer. He was the World Middleweight Champion (1957). Widely believed, he was named after former boxer Gene Tunney, he was born into a Mormon family and endured a strict upbringing. He was introduced to the sport, when his father brought him and his two younger brothers to a local gym to watch the boxers work out. Following service with the United States Army during the Korean War, he turned professional in 1951 and won his first twenty-nine bouts, establishing himself as being one of the hardest punchers in his division. He also was known for his ability to absorb punishment without any fear or self-regard. In his first title fight in early 1957, he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in a unanimous decision for the Middleweight crown, but lost the title to Robinson in their rematch in Chicago. The bout saw Robinson deliver an unforgettable left hook to secure a fifth-round knockout. In 1959, Fullmer captured the NBA Title after defeating Carmen Basilio and went on to defend his belt against such opponents as Joey Giardello, Sugar Ray Robinson (third meeting), Carmen Basilio (second meeting) and Benny Paret. Fullmer lost the crown to Dick Tiger in 1962. He battled Tiger two more times, the second contest ended in a draw and the third resulted in a seventh-round knockout loss. He retired in 1963 after compiling a 55 win (24 knockouts), 6 loss and 3 draw record. Following his career as a fighter, he joined his brothers Don Fullmer and Jay Fullmer (who were also professional boxers) to work as a boxing coach and official. Along with his brothers, he founded the Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves franchise. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.
Bio by: C.S.
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