BOXING CHAMPION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 259, 2 August 1928, Page 15

BOXING CHAMPION

TUNNEY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT NO DANGEROUS OPPONENT IN SIGHT (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) New York, July 31. Gene Tunney announced his retirement at a luncheon he gave to Tex Rickard and Mr. William Muldoon, chairman of the New York State Boxing Commission. Tunney expressed his gratitude for all boxing had done for him, and said: "I have fought my last bout as a professional boxer.” “There is no contender at the present time capable of attracting real public interest,” he said. “If there was I might delay my retirement long enough to face him in the ring, but it looks as if it might be two or three years before a dangerous opponent develops. That is too long to stand and wait.” Tunney paid a high tribute to lex Rickard, and concluded: "The time has come when professional boxing can offer me nothing further that I desire. I am putting it behind me. grateful for the benefits conferred, but with a feeling that I am still young enough to make a new start in other fields.” SUCCESSOR TO BE CHOSEN BY ELIMINATION (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Rec. August 1, 8.5 p.m.) New York, July 31. Tunney has announced that bis successor will be chosen by an elimination series under tlie direction of Rickard and the New York State boxing, commissioner, Mr. Muldoon. A cup named the Muldoon-Tiinney trophy will be entrusted to a committee of twenty-six, headed by Rickard and Muldoon, with the names of predecessors and successors inscribed upon it.