Gene Fullmer was born July 21,1931 in West Jordan, Utah. Fullmer's trainer, Marv Jenson, nicknamed Fullmer's dad "Tuff," because of his skill with his fists. Fullmer's mother was a fan and in fact named Gene after the heavyweight champion Gene Tunney. His two brothers Don and Jay boxed as middleweights. Two of his sons also entered the ring.
"Gene Fullmer, a 5 foot 8 inch, chiseled block of muscle and bone, used his brawler's style to carve a significant niche in the fight world of the 1950's and 1960's." John Keahey -Salt Lake Tribune 08/10/2000
"Gene Fullmer is the two-time, American born Middleweight Champion of the World. Fighting in the fifties and sixties, he posted a phenomenal record of 55 wins, 6 losses, and 3 draws. In his early years he was known for his knockout power (24 KO). After retiring he continued to work with the Golden Gloves Organization, as well as other programs with our State and Nations youth." Homeofheros.com ----medal of Honor Society Awards
Some highlights from his life include:
- 1951- boxing career began with a one round knockout of Glen Peck
- 1952- named "Prospect of the Month"- by Ring Magazine
- 1952- enters the Army (Korean War)
- 1954 - resumed professional boxing career
- 1957 - (Jan. 2) Middleweight title-won from Sugar Ray Robinson (lost 4 months later)
- 1959 - (August 29) Middleweight title- (regained and defended 13 times) --1959-1962
- 1959 - "Fight of the Year" - Gene Fullmer KO 14 Carmen Basilo
- 1961 - received the Edward J. Neil Award for - "Fighter of the Year"
- 1970 - Created and served as President of the Rocky Mountain Golden Glove Organization
- 1991- inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
- August 2000- Recreation Center named after West Jordan's favorite son - "The Gene Fullmer Fitness and Recreation Center". Located at 8015 South and 2700 West.
- September 2000 - received "The Patriot Award- for Boxing-from the Medal of Honor Society - in cooperation with the Congressional Medal Of Honor Society
Gene Fullmer and his brothers Don and Jay, and Don's son Larry ran a FREE youth boxing club in West Jordan, Utah at 7925 S. 1300 W. for many years. Gene Fullmer died on April 27, 2015. We are grateful to have some memorabilia from his life in the main hall history case here at South Valley School.
