Gibbons, "Tommy" (Thomas J.)
Boxing
b. March 22, 1891, St. Paul, MN
d. Nov. 19, 1960
Originally a middleweight like his older brother Mike, Tommy Gibbons began his professional boxing career in 1911. From then through 1920, most of his fights were no-decisions, but he did have 16 victories without a loss during that period.
In 1921, Gibbons became a light heavyweight or heavyweight, depending on whom he was fighting, and the additional weight gave him new punching power. He scored 27 knockouts and won 2 decisions with only 1 loss before meeting Jack Dempsey for the world heavyweight title on July 4, 1923, in Shelby, MT.
Gibbons was a heavy underdog, but surprised most observers by going the full 15 rounds. However, Dempsey won a decision. That fight was infamous because it virtually bankrupted the town of Shelby. The gate receipts didn't meet Dempsey's guarantee, so Gibbons didn't get paid at all.
After scoring 11 more knockouts in his next 12 fights, Gibbons was knocked out by Gene Tunney in 12 rounds on June 5, 1925, and retired from the ring. He served as sheriff of his native Ramsey County in Minnesota from 1934 until 1959.
In 106 professional bouts, Gibbons had 57 victories, 47 by knockout. He lost 4, 1 by knockout, and also fought 1 draw, 43 no-decisions, and 1 no-contest.