Born James Joseph Tunney, "Gene" Tunney was an American professional boxer who became heavyweight champion by defeating Jack Dempsey on points in 1926, successfully defended his championship against his famous rival in the "Long Count" fight in 1927. Later he married a wealthy socialite and became an executive in manufacturing, banking, insurance, and journalism. Quentin invokes the names of Tunney and Dempsey to show that the dog Lion and the bear Old Ben are the champion competitors of the Mississippi wilderness.
Born William Harrison Dempsey, "Jack" Dempsey was World Heavyweight boxing champion form 1921 to 1926 when he lost his title to Gene Tunney. He also lost their championship rematch in 1927 in what was known as the "long count" fight. Quentin chooses the comparison of these two fighters to show that the dog Lion and the bear Old Ben are famous contenders in the Mississippi wilderness.
