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The Gisborne Photo News

 
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No 184 : October 8, 1969

62

The Legend Returns

Gisborne's world famous boxer, the legendary Tom Heeney, returned to his old hometown for the recent New Zealand Amateur Boxing Championships. Rising from promising beginnings right here in Gisborne, Tom Heeney went on to win many professional bouts, culminating in his famous fight with Gene Tunney for the world heavyweight crown in New York on July 26, 1928. Although he lost, his name will live in the annals of boxing for many years yet.

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Tom steps off the plane and back on to Gisborne soil.

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On hand to greet the former champ were, from left, Fred Dominey, brother Arty Heeney and sister Mrs Mary Griffin.

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On this and the next page are cuttings from the Los Angeles Examiner Sports of July 15, 1928, with reports about the forthcoming Tunney-Heeney fight.

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Also on hand to greet Tom Heeney at the airport on hie arrival were members of the Gisborne Boxing Association. From left: Harry Swann, Don Thorbun, Tom Heeney, Wally Jonasen and Paul Sceats.

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Tom Sharkey's prediction in the Los Angeles paper. For these paper clippings we are indebted to Roland Croskery who lent us the actual newspaper which he is seen holding below right.

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© 2012 H B Williams Memorial Library
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