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{{Short description|New Zealand boxer}}
'''Thomas Heeney''' {{flagicon|Ireland}} {{flagicon|New Zealand}} (May 18, 1898 – June 15, 1984), commonly called '''Tom Heeney''', was an Irish-New Zealander professional [[heavyweight]] [[boxing|boxer]], best known for unsuccessfully challenging champion [[Gene Tunney]] for the heavyweight championship of the world in New York City on 26 July 1928.
{{Use New Zealand English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox boxer
|name=Tom Heeney
|image= Tom Heeney LOC.jpg
|realname= Thomas Heeney
|nickname=The Hard Rock from Down Under
|weight=[[Heavyweight]]
|height={{convert|5|ft|10+1/2|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|reach= {{convert|72|in|cm||abbr=on}}
|nationality=[[New Zealand]]
|birth_date={{Birth date|df=yes|1898|05|18}}
|birth_place=[[Gisborne, New Zealand|Gisborne]], New Zealand
|death_date={{Death date and age|df=yes|1984|06|15|1898|05|18}}
|death_place=[[Miami, Florida]], U.S.
|style=
|total = 70
|wins = 37
|KO = 15
|losses = 23
|draws = 8
|no contests = 2}}


'''Thomas Heeney''' (18 May 1898 – 15 June 1984) was a professional [[heavyweight]] [[boxing|boxer]] from [[New Zealand]], best known for unsuccessfully challenging champion [[Gene Tunney]] for the heavyweight championship of the world in New York City on 26 July 1928.
Heeney was born in [[Gisborne, New Zealand|Gisborne]], [[New Zealand]], and worked as a plumber until he left New Zealand.<ref name=dnzb>{{DNZB|McMillan|N. A. C|4h25|Heeney, Thomas 1898–1984|4 April 2011}}</ref> He was a strong swimmer and was awarded a bronze medal by the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand in 1918 for helping rescue two women from the sea off Waikanae Beach, Gisborne. He also retrieved a third woman who did not survive.<ref>Mackay, Joseph Angus. "[http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-MacHist-t1-body-d41-d4.html Tom Heeney's Bid For World Crown]" in ''Historic Poverty Bay and the East Coast, N.I., N.Z.'', 1949.</ref>


==Biography==
He learnt to box from his father and his older brother Jack Heeney, who was the New Zealand amateur [[welterweight]] champion in 1914 and [[middleweight]] champion from 1919 to 1924. He became a professional boxer when he fought Bill Bartlett in Gisborne in 1920.<ref name=teara>"[http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/E/ExpatriatesBiographies/UnitedStates/en Expatriates — biographies]", ''An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand'', edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. ''Te Ara — The Encyclopedia of New Zealand'', updated 18 September 2007</ref> In October 1920, Heeney became the New Zealand heavyweight champion when he beat [[Brian Verdon McCleary|Brian McCleary]] of [[Dunedin]] on a technical knockout. Heeney was also a [[rugby union]] player and played for the Hawke's Bay — Poverty Bay team against the [[South Africa national rugby union team|Springboks]] in 1921.<ref name=teara/> He boxed in [[Australia]] and won the Australian heavyweight champion title in 1922, and fought in [[England]] and [[South Africa]] in 1924.
[[File:Tom Heeney portrait LOC.jpg|left|thumb|Portrait of Heeney in boxing stance]]
Heeney was born in [[Gisborne, New Zealand]], and worked as a plumber until he left New Zealand.<ref name=dnzb>{{DNZB|last=McMillan|first=N. A. C|id=4h25|title=Heeney, Thomas 1898–1984|accessdate=4 April 2011}}</ref> He was a strong swimmer and was awarded a bronze medal by the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand in 1918 for helping rescue two women from the sea off Waikanae Beach, Gisborne. He also retrieved a third woman who did not survive.<ref>Mackay, Joseph Angus. "[http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-MacHist-t1-body-d41-d4.html Tom Heeney's Bid For World Crown]" in ''Historic Poverty Bay and the East Coast, N.I., N.Z.'', 1949.</ref>


He learnt to box from his father and his older brother Jack Heeney, who was the New Zealand amateur [[welterweight]] champion in 1914 and [[middleweight]] champion from 1919 to 1924. He became a professional boxer when he fought Bill Bartlett in Gisborne in 1920.<ref name=teara>"[http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/E/ExpatriatesBiographies/UnitedStates/en Expatriates — biographies]", ''An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand'', edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. ''Te Ara — The Encyclopedia of New Zealand'', updated 18 September 2007</ref> In October 1920, Heeney became the [[List of New Zealand heavyweight boxing champions|New Zealand heavyweight champion]] when he beat [[Brian Verdon McCleary|Brian McCleary]] of [[Dunedin]] on a technical knockout. Heeney was also a [[rugby union]] player and played for the Hawke's Bay — Poverty Bay team against the [[South Africa national rugby union team|Springboks]] in 1921.<ref name=teara/> He boxed in [[Australia]] and won the Australian heavyweight champion title in 1922, and fought in [[England]] and [[South Africa]] in 1924.
Heeney went to the [[United States]] in 1926. He beat Jim Maloney, Johnny Risko and Jim Delaney<ref name=teara/> and eventually ranked fourth among the world's heavyweight boxers. After fighting [[Jack Sharkey]], later a heavyweight world champion, in 1928 for the right to fight Tunney, on July 26, 1928, Heeney fought Gene Tunney at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]], New York City, for the world heavyweight championship title. Heeney entered the boxing ring wearing a [[Māori people|Māori]] cloak that was given to him by [[Heni Materoa Carroll|Heni Materoa]], the widow of [[James Carroll (New Zealand politician)|Sir James Carroll]]. The referee, Ed Forbes, stopped the scheduled 15 round fight in the 11th round, and Tunney won. It was said of Heeney:

Heeney went to the [[United States]] in 1926. He beat Jim Maloney, Johnny Risko and Jim Delaney<ref name=teara/> and eventually ranked fourth among the world's heavyweight boxers. After fighting [[Jack Sharkey]], later a heavyweight world champion, in 1928 for the right to fight Tunney, on 26 July 1928, Heeney fought Gene Tunney at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]], New York City, for the world heavyweight championship title. Heeney entered the boxing ring wearing a [[Māori people|Māori]] cloak that was given to him by [[Heni Materoa Carroll|Heni Materoa]], the widow of [[James Carroll (New Zealand politician)|Sir James Carroll]]. The referee, Ed Forbes, stopped the scheduled 15 round fight in the 11th round, and Tunney won. It was said of Heeney:
:<blockquote>''His gritty performance in this fight would have been considered by many observers to have justified his sobriquet of The Hard Rock from Down Under given by renowned writer and journalist, Damon Runyon.''{{Citation needed|date=November 2007}}</blockquote>
:<blockquote>''His gritty performance in this fight would have been considered by many observers to have justified his sobriquet of The Hard Rock from Down Under given by renowned writer and journalist, Damon Runyon.''{{Citation needed|date=November 2007}}</blockquote>


A week after his defeat, Tom married Marion Dunn, an American. Heeney became an American citizen and boxed until 1933, accomplishing a fighting record of 69 professional bouts, 37 wins, 22 losses, eight draws, one no-decision, and one no-contest.
A week after his defeat, Tom married Marion Dunn, an American. Heeney became an American citizen and boxed until 1934, accomplishing a fighting record of 70 professional bouts, 38 wins, 22 losses, 8 draws, and 2 no-contest.


After retiring from boxing, he owned a bar in [[Miami]], [[Florida]]. He served with the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps in World War II, and afterward coached boxing and refereed armed forces bouts in the South Pacific. He often fished with his friend, the famous writer [[Ernest Hemingway]]. Heeney's wife, Marion, died in 1980. They had no children.<ref name=dnzb/>
After retiring from boxing, he owned a bar in [[Miami]], [[Florida]]. He served with the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps in World War II, and afterward coached boxing and refereed armed forces bouts in the South Pacific. He often fished with his friend, the famous writer [[Ernest Hemingway]]. Heeney's wife, Marion, died in 1980. They had no children.<ref name=dnzb/>


Heeney was inducted into the [[New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame]] in 1996.
Heeney was inducted into the [[New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame]] in 1996.

==Professional boxing record==
[[File:Paulino Uzcudun v. Tom Heeney boxing match (Apr 1, 1927 at Madison Square Garden).jpg|thumb|April 1, 1927 match against [[Paulino Uzcudun]]]]
All information in this section is derived from [[BoxRec]],<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/13554|title=BoxRec: Tom Heeney|accessdate=27 March 2023}}</ref> unless otherwise stated.
===Official record===
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=15
|ko-losses=6
|dec-wins=17
|dec-losses=15
|dq-wins=5
|dq-losses=1
|draws=8
|nws=1
|nc=2
}}
All [[newspaper decision]]s are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|70
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–22–8 {{small|(3)}}
|align=left| [[Stanley Poreda]]
|TKO
|10 (10), {{small|1:24}}
|Mar 27, 1933
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|69
|style="background:#DDD"|Loss
|37–21–8 {{small|(3)}}
|align=left| [[Charley Retzlaff]]
|NWS
|10
|Mar 7, 1933
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US}}
|
|-
|68
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–21–8 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Patsy Perroni
|PTS
|10
|Dec 6, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, US}}
|
|-
|67
|{{draw}}Draw
|37–20–8 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| John Schwake
|PTS
|10
|Oct 25, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, US}}
|
|-
|66
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–20–7 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Hans Birkie
|PTS
|10
|Mar 16, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Auditorium, Oakland, California, US}}
|
|-
|65
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–20–7 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max Baer]]
|PTS
|10
|Feb 22, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|64
|{{draw}}Draw
|36–19–7 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Giacomo Bergomas
|PTS
|10
|Oct 26, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|63
|{{draw}}Draw
|36–19–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jose Santa
|PTS
|10
|Oct 5, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US}}
|
|-
|62
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–19–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jose Santa
|PTS
|12
|Sep 10, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mark's Stadium, Tiverton, Rhode Island, US}}
|
|-
|61
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–19–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Jimmy Slattery]]
|PTS
|6
|Apr 20, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Buffalo Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US}}
|
|-
|60
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–18–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Risko
|PTS
|10
|Apr 6, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Arena Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada}}
|
|-
|59
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–17–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Charley Retzlaff]]
|TKO
|7 (10)
|Mar 6, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US}}
|
|-
|58
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–16–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max Baer]]
|KO
|3 (10)
|Jan 16, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|57
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–15–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Emmett Rocco
|PTS
|10
|Oct 13, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|56
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–14–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Frank Cawley
|UD
|10
|Sep 29, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kingston Armory, Kingston, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|55
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–13–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George Panka
|SD
|10
|Sep 8, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, New Jersey, US}}
|
|-
|54
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–13–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Tuffy Griffiths]]
|TKO
|10 (10)
|Jul 30, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|53
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–12–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George Hoffman
|PTS
|10
|Sep 26, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|52
|{{no2}}Loss
|33–12–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Victorio Campolo
|TKO
|9 (10), {{small|2:46}}
|Aug 15, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|51
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–11–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Elzear Rioux
|DQ
|8 (10)
|May 29, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rioux DQ'd after Heeney claimed he was hit low 10 times}}
|-
|50
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–11–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Otto von Porat]]
|UD
|10
|Mar 12, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, US}}
|
|-
|49
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–10–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jim Maloney
|PTS
|10
|Mar 1, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US}}
|
|-
|48
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–9–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Gene Tunney]]
|TKO
|11 (15), {{small|2:52}}
|Jul 26, 1928
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]], [[List of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|NBA]], and [[List of The Ring world champions#Heavyweight|''The Ring'' heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|47
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–8–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Jack Delaney]]
|UD
|15
|Mar 1, 1928
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|46
|{{draw}}Draw
|31–8–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Jack Sharkey]]
|SD
|12
|Jan 13, 1928
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–8–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Risko
|PTS
|10
|Oct 26, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US}}
|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–8–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jim Maloney
|KO
|1 (12), {{small|1:17}}
|Sep 30, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|43
|{{draw}}Draw
|29–8–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Paulino Uzcudun]]
|PTS
|15
|Sep 8, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–8–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Bud Gorman
|DQ
|3 (10), {{small|1:17}}
|Aug 4, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|41
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–8–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jack DeMave
|PTS
|10
|Jun 24, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coney Island Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|40
|{{no2}}Loss
|27–8–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Paulino Uzcudun]]
|PTS
|10
|Apr 1, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Charley Anderson
|TKO
|8 (10)
|Feb 25, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jack Stanley
|PTS
|15
|Oct 25, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|National Sporting Club, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Bartley Madden
|PTS
|20
|Aug 9, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland}}
|
|-
|36
|{{no2}}Loss
|24–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Phil Scott (boxer)|Phil Scott]]
|PTS
|10
|Jul 10, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Dell, Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[List of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions#Heavyweight|Commonwealth heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–6–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Tom Berry (boxer)|Tom Berry]]
|PTS
|15
|Jul 5, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Ring, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–6–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Charley Smith
|DQ
|5 (10)
|Mar 18, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Royal Albert Hall, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|33
|{{no2}}Loss
|22–6–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George 'Blackie' Miller
|DQ
|5 (20)
|Nov 14, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Durban, South Africa}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Heeney's seconds entered the ring during the round}}
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George 'Blackie' Miller
|DQ
|8 (20)
|Oct 10, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Low blow}}
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Vic Morace
|KO
|4 (20)
|Jul, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Exact date unknown}}
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Squires
|RTD
|18 (20)
|Jun 15, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa}}
|
|-
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Squires
|PTS
|20
|Apr 9, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}}
|
|-
|28
|{{no2}}Loss
|18–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George Cook
|PTS
|20
|Feb 12, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Premierland, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–4–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Trooper Jim Young
|KO
|4 (15)
|Jan 19, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|National Sporting Club, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|26
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|NC|No contest}}
|17–4–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Frans Hendrickx
|NC
|6 (15)
|Nov 3, 1924
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Ring, London, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Referee stopped the fight for lack of effort by both fighters}}
|-
|25
|{{no2}}Loss
|17–4–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Phil Scott (boxer)|Phil Scott]]
|PTS
|20
|Sep 22, 1924
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Ring, London, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant [[list of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions#Heavyweight|Commonwealth heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Ern Young
|TKO
|4 (15)
|Feb 20, 1924
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim O'Sullivan
|KO
|9 (15)
|Dec 26, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Palmerston North, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim O'Sullivan
|DQ
|5 (15)
|Nov 10, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Savage
|KO
|1 (15)
|Oct 26, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Princess Theatre, Napier, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|20
|{{no2}}Loss
|13–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim O'Sullivan
|PTS
|15
|Sep 26, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Brian McCleary]]
|TKO
|14 (15)
|Aug 14, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|King Edward's Barracks, Christchurch, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Flett
|TKO
|9 (15)
|Aug 2, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Cyril Whittaker
|TKO
|15 (15)
|Jun 4, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Whittaker died of injuries sustained in this fight.<ref name="auto"/>}}
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Complin
|TKO
|9 (20)
|Jan 1, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia}}
|
|-
|15
|{{draw}}Draw
|9–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Ern Waddy
|PTS
|20
|Dec 18, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Unley Stadium, Adelaide, Australia}}
|
|-
|14
|{{draw}}Draw
|9–2–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Charlie Taylor
|PTS
|20
|Aug 12, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Star Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–2–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Tom Batho
|TKO
|14 (20)
|Jul 22, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Theatre Royal, Townsville, Australia}}
|
|-
|12
|{{no2}}Loss
|8–2–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Colin Bell
|PTS
|20
|Jun 30, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For Australian heavyweight title}}
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Leahy
|PTS
|20
|Jun 3, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Flett
|PTS
|15
|May 1, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Jim Flett, Australia}}
|
|-
|9
|{{no2}}Loss
|6–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Colin Bell
|PTS
|20
|Mar 17, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[Australian National Boxing Federation|ANBF]] and [[List of Australian heavyweight boxing champions|Australian heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Max Gornik
|RTD
|15 (20)
|Feb 11, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia}}
|
|-
|7
|{{draw}}Draw
|5–0–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Colin Bell
|PTS
|15
|Oct 27, 1921
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Cole
|PTS
|15
|Jul 23, 1921
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kaikohu Hall, Te Karaka, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Albert Pooley
|PTS
|15
|Feb 11, 1921
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Albert Pooley
|PTS
|15
|Oct 27, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[List of New Zealand heavyweight boxing champions|New Zealand heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|3
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|ND|No decision}}
|2–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Frank Gribben
|ND
|3
|Aug 27, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left| George Modrich
|PTS
|15
|Jun 8, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left| Bill Bartlett
|TKO
|9 (15)
|Feb 12, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|}

===Unofficial record===
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=15
|ko-losses=6
|dec-wins=17
|dec-losses=16
|dq-wins=5
|dq-losses=1
|draws=8
|nc=2
}}
Record with the inclusion of [[newspaper decision]]s in the win/loss/draw column.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|70
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–23–8 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Stanley Poreda]]
|TKO
|10 (10), {{small|1:24}}
|Mar 27, 1933
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|69
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–22–8 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Charley Retzlaff]]
|NWS
|10
|Mar 7, 1933
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US}}
|
|-
|68
|{{no2}}Loss
|37–21–8 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Patsy Perroni
|PTS
|10
|Dec 6, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, US}}
|
|-
|67
|{{draw}}Draw
|37–20–8 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| John Schwake
|PTS
|10
|Oct 25, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, US}}
|
|-
|66
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–20–7 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Hans Birkie
|PTS
|10
|Mar 16, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Auditorium, Oakland, California, US}}
|
|-
|65
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–20–7 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max Baer]]
|PTS
|10
|Feb 22, 1932
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, US}}
|
|-
|64
|{{draw}}Draw
|36–19–7 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Giacomo Bergomas
|PTS
|10
|Oct 26, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|63
|{{draw}}Draw
|36–19–6 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jose Santa
|PTS
|10
|Oct 5, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US}}
|
|-
|62
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–19–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jose Santa
|PTS
|12
|Sep 10, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mark's Stadium, Tiverton, Rhode Island, US}}
|
|-
|61
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–19–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Jimmy Slattery]]
|PTS
|6
|Apr 20, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Buffalo Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US}}
|
|-
|60
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–18–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Risko
|PTS
|10
|Apr 6, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Arena Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada}}
|
|-
|59
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–17–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Charley Retzlaff]]
|TKO
|7 (10)
|Mar 6, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US}}
|
|-
|58
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–16–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max Baer]]
|KO
|3 (10)
|Jan 16, 1931
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|57
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–15–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Emmett Rocco
|PTS
|10
|Oct 13, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|56
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–14–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Frank Cawley
|UD
|10
|Sep 29, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kingston Armory, Kingston, Pennsylvania, US}}
|
|-
|55
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–13–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George Panka
|SD
|10
|Sep 8, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, New Jersey, US}}
|
|-
|54
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–13–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Tuffy Griffiths]]
|TKO
|10 (10)
|Jul 30, 1930
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|53
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–12–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George Hoffman
|PTS
|10
|Sep 26, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|52
|{{no2}}Loss
|33–12–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Victorio Campolo
|TKO
|9 (10), {{small|2:46}}
|Aug 15, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|51
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–11–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Elzear Rioux
|DQ
|8 (10)
|May 29, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rioux DQ'd after Heeney claimed he was hit low 10 times}}
|-
|50
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–11–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Otto von Porat]]
|UD
|10
|Mar 12, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, US}}
|
|-
|49
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–10–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jim Maloney
|PTS
|10
|Mar 1, 1929
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US}}
|
|-
|48
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–9–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Gene Tunney]]
|TKO
|11 (15), {{small|2:52}}
|Jul 26, 1928
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]], [[List of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|NBA]], and [[List of The Ring world champions#Heavyweight|''The Ring'' heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|47
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–8–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Jack Delaney]]
|UD
|15
|Mar 1, 1928
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|46
|{{draw}}Draw
|31–8–5 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Jack Sharkey]]
|SD
|12
|Jan 13, 1928
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–8–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Risko
|PTS
|10
|Oct 26, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US}}
|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–8–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jim Maloney
|KO
|1 (12), {{small|1:17}}
|Sep 30, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|43
|{{draw}}Draw
|29–8–4 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Paulino Uzcudun]]
|PTS
|15
|Sep 8, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–8–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Bud Gorman
|DQ
|3 (10), {{small|1:17}}
|Aug 4, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|41
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–8–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jack DeMave
|PTS
|10
|Jun 24, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Coney Island Stadium, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|40
|{{no2}}Loss
|27–8–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Paulino Uzcudun]]
|PTS
|10
|Apr 1, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Charley Anderson
|TKO
|8 (10)
|Feb 25, 1927
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Jack Stanley
|PTS
|15
|Oct 25, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|National Sporting Club, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Bartley Madden
|PTS
|20
|Aug 9, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland}}
|
|-
|36
|{{no2}}Loss
|24–7–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Phil Scott (boxer)|Phil Scott]]
|PTS
|10
|Jul 10, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Dell, Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[List of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions#Heavyweight|Commonwealth heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–6–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| [[Tom Berry (boxer)|Tom Berry]]
|PTS
|15
|Jul 5, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Ring, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–6–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Charley Smith
|DQ
|5 (10)
|Mar 18, 1926
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Royal Albert Hall, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|33
|{{no2}}Loss
|22–6–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George 'Blackie' Miller
|DQ
|5 (20)
|Nov 14, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Durban, South Africa}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Heeney's seconds entered the ring during the round}}
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George 'Blackie' Miller
|DQ
|8 (20)
|Oct 10, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Low blow}}
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Vic Morace
|KO
|4 (20)
|Jul, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Exact date unknown}}
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Squires
|RTD
|18 (20)
|Jun 15, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa}}
|
|-
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Johnny Squires
|PTS
|20
|Apr 9, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}}
|
|-
|28
|{{no2}}Loss
|18–5–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| George Cook
|PTS
|20
|Feb 12, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Premierland, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–4–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Trooper Jim Young
|KO
|4 (15)
|Jan 19, 1925
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|National Sporting Club, London, England, UK}}
|
|-
|26
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|NC|No contest}}
|17–4–3 {{small|(2)}}
|align=left| Frans Hendrickx
|NC
|6 (15)
|Nov 3, 1924
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Ring, London, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Referee stopped the fight for lack of effort by both fighters}}
|-
|25
|{{no2}}Loss
|17–4–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Phil Scott (boxer)|Phil Scott]]
|PTS
|20
|Sep 22, 1924
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Ring, London, England, UK}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant [[list of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions#Heavyweight|Commonwealth heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Ern Young
|TKO
|4 (15)
|Feb 20, 1924
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim O'Sullivan
|KO
|9 (15)
|Dec 26, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Palmerston North, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim O'Sullivan
|DQ
|5 (15)
|Nov 10, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Savage
|KO
|1 (15)
|Oct 26, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Princess Theatre, Napier, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|20
|{{no2}}Loss
|13–3–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim O'Sullivan
|PTS
|15
|Sep 26, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| [[Brian McCleary]]
|TKO
|14 (15)
|Aug 14, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|King Edward's Barracks, Christchurch, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Flett
|TKO
|9 (15)
|Aug 2, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Cyril Whittaker
|TKO
|15 (15)
|Jun 4, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Whittaker died of injuries sustained in this fight.<ref name="auto"/>}}
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Complin
|TKO
|9 (20)
|Jan 1, 1923
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia}}
|
|-
|15
|{{draw}}Draw
|9–2–3 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Ern Waddy
|PTS
|20
|Dec 18, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Unley Stadium, Adelaide, Australia}}
|
|-
|14
|{{draw}}Draw
|9–2–2 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Charlie Taylor
|PTS
|20
|Aug 12, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Star Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–2–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Tom Batho
|TKO
|14 (20)
|Jul 22, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Theatre Royal, Townsville, Australia}}
|
|-
|12
|{{no2}}Loss
|8–2–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Colin Bell
|PTS
|20
|Jun 30, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For Australian heavyweight title}}
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Leahy
|PTS
|20
|Jun 3, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jim Flett
|PTS
|15
|May 1, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Jim Flett, Australia}}
|
|-
|9
|{{no2}}Loss
|6–1–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Colin Bell
|PTS
|20
|Mar 17, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[Australian National Boxing Federation|ANBF]] and [[List of Australian heavyweight boxing champions|Australian heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Max Gornik
|RTD
|15 (20)
|Feb 11, 1922
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia}}
|
|-
|7
|{{draw}}Draw
|5–0–1 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Colin Bell
|PTS
|15
|Oct 27, 1921
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Jack Cole
|PTS
|15
|Jul 23, 1921
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kaikohu Hall, Te Karaka, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Albert Pooley
|PTS
|15
|Feb 11, 1921
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained New Zealand heavyweight title}}
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Albert Pooley
|PTS
|15
|Oct 27, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[List of New Zealand heavyweight boxing champions|New Zealand heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|3
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|ND|No decision}}
|2–0 {{small|(1)}}
|align=left| Frank Gribben
|ND
|3
|Aug 27, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left| George Modrich
|PTS
|15
|Jun 8, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left| Bill Bartlett
|TKO
|9 (15)
|Feb 12, 1920
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand}}
|
|-
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references />
5. Vogt, Anton: 'Tom Heeney in heaven,' ''New Zealand Listener'', 14 October 1960

==Further reading==
*''From Poverty Bay to Broadway: The story of Tom Heeney'' by Lydia Monin (2008)
*''From Poverty Bay to Broadway: The story of Tom Heeney'' by Lydia Monin (2008)
*''Kiwis With Gloves On'' by Brian F O'Brien, published 1960, Reed.
*''Kiwis With Gloves On'' by Brian F O'Brien, published 1960, Reed.


==External links==
==External links==
* {{boxrec|id=13554}}
* http://www.tunney.org/heeney/

{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Heeney, Tom
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = May 18, 1898
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH = June 15, 1984
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heeney, Tom}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heeney, Tom}}
[[Category:1898 births]]
[[Category:1898 births]]
[[Category:1984 deaths]]
[[Category:1984 deaths]]
[[Category:New Zealand boxers]]
[[Category:New Zealand male boxers]]
[[Category:American boxers]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:New Zealand emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:New Zealand emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:New Zealand professional boxing champions]]
[[Category:People from Gisborne, New Zealand]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Gisborne, New Zealand]]
[[Category:Heavyweight boxers]]

Latest revision as of 15:44, 26 April 2023

Tom Heeney
Born
Thomas Heeney

(1898-05-18)18 May 1898
Gisborne, New Zealand
Died15 June 1984(1984-06-15) (aged 86)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
NationalityNew Zealand
Other namesThe Hard Rock from Down Under
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height5 ft 10+1⁄2 in (1.79 m)
Reach72 in (180 cm)
Boxing record
Total fights70
Wins37
Wins by KO15
Losses23
Draws8
No contests2

Thomas Heeney (18 May 1898 – 15 June 1984) was a professional heavyweight boxer from New Zealand, best known for unsuccessfully challenging champion Gene Tunney for the heavyweight championship of the world in New York City on 26 July 1928.

Biography

[edit]
Portrait of Heeney in boxing stance

Heeney was born in Gisborne, New Zealand, and worked as a plumber until he left New Zealand.[1] He was a strong swimmer and was awarded a bronze medal by the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand in 1918 for helping rescue two women from the sea off Waikanae Beach, Gisborne. He also retrieved a third woman who did not survive.[2]

He learnt to box from his father and his older brother Jack Heeney, who was the New Zealand amateur welterweight champion in 1914 and middleweight champion from 1919 to 1924. He became a professional boxer when he fought Bill Bartlett in Gisborne in 1920.[3] In October 1920, Heeney became the New Zealand heavyweight champion when he beat Brian McCleary of Dunedin on a technical knockout. Heeney was also a rugby union player and played for the Hawke's Bay — Poverty Bay team against the Springboks in 1921.[3] He boxed in Australia and won the Australian heavyweight champion title in 1922, and fought in England and South Africa in 1924.

Heeney went to the United States in 1926. He beat Jim Maloney, Johnny Risko and Jim Delaney[3] and eventually ranked fourth among the world's heavyweight boxers. After fighting Jack Sharkey, later a heavyweight world champion, in 1928 for the right to fight Tunney, on 26 July 1928, Heeney fought Gene Tunney at Yankee Stadium, New York City, for the world heavyweight championship title. Heeney entered the boxing ring wearing a Māori cloak that was given to him by Heni Materoa, the widow of Sir James Carroll. The referee, Ed Forbes, stopped the scheduled 15 round fight in the 11th round, and Tunney won. It was said of Heeney:

His gritty performance in this fight would have been considered by many observers to have justified his sobriquet of The Hard Rock from Down Under given by renowned writer and journalist, Damon Runyon.[citation needed]

A week after his defeat, Tom married Marion Dunn, an American. Heeney became an American citizen and boxed until 1934, accomplishing a fighting record of 70 professional bouts, 38 wins, 22 losses, 8 draws, and 2 no-contest.

After retiring from boxing, he owned a bar in Miami, Florida. He served with the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps in World War II, and afterward coached boxing and refereed armed forces bouts in the South Pacific. He often fished with his friend, the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. Heeney's wife, Marion, died in 1980. They had no children.[1]

Heeney was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

Professional boxing record

[edit]
April 1, 1927 match against Paulino Uzcudun

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[4] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

[edit]
70 fights 37 wins 22 losses
By knockout 15 6
By decision 17 15
By disqualification 5 1
Draws 8
No contests 2
Newspaper decisions/draws 1

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
70 Loss 37–22–8 (3) Stanley Poreda TKO 10 (10), 1:24 Mar 27, 1933 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
69 Loss 37–21–8 (3) Charley Retzlaff NWS 10 Mar 7, 1933 Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US
68 Loss 37–21–8 (2) Patsy Perroni PTS 10 Dec 6, 1932 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, US
67 Draw 37–20–8 (2) John Schwake PTS 10 Oct 25, 1932 Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, US
66 Win 37–20–7 (2) Hans Birkie PTS 10 Mar 16, 1932 Auditorium, Oakland, California, US
65 Loss 36–20–7 (2) Max Baer PTS 10 Feb 22, 1932 Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, US
64 Draw 36–19–7 (2) Giacomo Bergomas PTS 10 Oct 26, 1931 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
63 Draw 36–19–6 (2) Jose Santa PTS 10 Oct 5, 1931 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US
62 Win 36–19–5 (2) Jose Santa PTS 12 Sep 10, 1931 Mark's Stadium, Tiverton, Rhode Island, US
61 Loss 35–19–5 (2) Jimmy Slattery PTS 6 Apr 20, 1931 Buffalo Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US
60 Loss 35–18–5 (2) Johnny Risko PTS 10 Apr 6, 1931 Arena Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
59 Loss 35–17–5 (2) Charley Retzlaff TKO 7 (10) Mar 6, 1931 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
58 Loss 35–16–5 (2) Max Baer KO 3 (10) Jan 16, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
57 Loss 35–15–5 (2) Emmett Rocco PTS 10 Oct 13, 1930 Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
56 Loss 35–14–5 (2) Frank Cawley UD 10 Sep 29, 1930 Kingston Armory, Kingston, Pennsylvania, US
55 Win 35–13–5 (2) George Panka SD 10 Sep 8, 1930 Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, New Jersey, US
54 Loss 34–13–5 (2) Tuffy Griffiths TKO 10 (10) Jul 30, 1930 Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US
53 Win 34–12–5 (2) George Hoffman PTS 10 Sep 26, 1929 Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US
52 Loss 33–12–5 (2) Victorio Campolo TKO 9 (10), 2:46 Aug 15, 1929 Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US
51 Win 33–11–5 (2) Elzear Rioux DQ 8 (10) May 29, 1929 Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Rioux DQ'd after Heeney claimed he was hit low 10 times
50 Loss 32–11–5 (2) Otto von Porat UD 10 Mar 12, 1929 Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, US
49 Loss 32–10–5 (2) Jim Maloney PTS 10 Mar 1, 1929 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
48 Loss 32–9–5 (2) Gene Tunney TKO 11 (15), 2:52 Jul 26, 1928 Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
47 Win 32–8–5 (2) Jack Delaney UD 15 Mar 1, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
46 Draw 31–8–5 (2) Jack Sharkey SD 12 Jan 13, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
45 Win 31–8–4 (2) Johnny Risko PTS 10 Oct 26, 1927 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
44 Win 30–8–4 (2) Jim Maloney KO 1 (12), 1:17 Sep 30, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
43 Draw 29–8–4 (2) Paulino Uzcudun PTS 15 Sep 8, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
42 Win 29–8–3 (2) Bud Gorman DQ 3 (10), 1:17 Aug 4, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
41 Win 28–8–3 (2) Jack DeMave PTS 10 Jun 24, 1927 Coney Island Stadium, New York City, New York, US
40 Loss 27–8–3 (2) Paulino Uzcudun PTS 10 Apr 1, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
39 Win 27–7–3 (2) Charley Anderson TKO 8 (10) Feb 25, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
38 Win 26–7–3 (2) Jack Stanley PTS 15 Oct 25, 1926 National Sporting Club, London, England, UK
37 Win 25–7–3 (2) Bartley Madden PTS 20 Aug 9, 1926 Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
36 Loss 24–7–3 (2) Phil Scott PTS 10 Jul 10, 1926 The Dell, Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK For Commonwealth heavyweight title
35 Win 24–6–3 (2) Tom Berry PTS 15 Jul 5, 1926 The Ring, London, England, UK
34 Win 23–6–3 (2) Charley Smith DQ 5 (10) Mar 18, 1926 Royal Albert Hall, London, England, UK
33 Loss 22–6–3 (2) George 'Blackie' Miller DQ 5 (20) Nov 14, 1925 Town Hall, Durban, South Africa Heeney's seconds entered the ring during the round
32 Win 22–5–3 (2) George 'Blackie' Miller DQ 8 (20) Oct 10, 1925 Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa Low blow
31 Win 21–5–3 (2) Vic Morace KO 4 (20) Jul, 1925 City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa Exact date unknown
30 Win 20–5–3 (2) Johnny Squires RTD 18 (20) Jun 15, 1925 City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa
29 Win 19–5–3 (2) Johnny Squires PTS 20 Apr 9, 1925 Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Loss 18–5–3 (2) George Cook PTS 20 Feb 12, 1925 Premierland, London, England, UK
27 Win 18–4–3 (2) Trooper Jim Young KO 4 (15) Jan 19, 1925 National Sporting Club, London, England, UK
26 NC 17–4–3 (2) Frans Hendrickx NC 6 (15) Nov 3, 1924 The Ring, London, England, UK Referee stopped the fight for lack of effort by both fighters
25 Loss 17–4–3 (1) Phil Scott PTS 20 Sep 22, 1924 The Ring, London, England, UK For vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title
24 Win 17–3–3 (1) Ern Young TKO 4 (15) Feb 20, 1924 Town Hall, Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand Retained New Zealand heavyweight title
23 Win 16–3–3 (1) Jim O'Sullivan KO 9 (15) Dec 26, 1923 Opera House, Palmerston North, New Zealand Retained New Zealand heavyweight title
22 Win 15–3–3 (1) Jim O'Sullivan DQ 5 (15) Nov 10, 1923 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand Won New Zealand heavyweight title
21 Win 14–3–3 (1) Jim Savage KO 1 (15) Oct 26, 1923 Princess Theatre, Napier, New Zealand
20 Loss 13–3–3 (1) Jim O'Sullivan PTS 15 Sep 26, 1923 Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand Lost New Zealand heavyweight title
19 Win 13–2–3 (1) Brian McCleary TKO 14 (15) Aug 14, 1923 King Edward's Barracks, Christchurch, New Zealand Won New Zealand heavyweight title
18 Win 12–2–3 (1) Jim Flett TKO 9 (15) Aug 2, 1923 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
17 Win 11–2–3 (1) Cyril Whittaker TKO 15 (15) Jun 4, 1923 Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand Whittaker died of injuries sustained in this fight.[4]
16 Win 10–2–3 (1) Jack Complin TKO 9 (20) Jan 1, 1923 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia
15 Draw 9–2–3 (1) Ern Waddy PTS 20 Dec 18, 1922 Unley Stadium, Adelaide, Australia
14 Draw 9–2–2 (1) Charlie Taylor PTS 20 Aug 12, 1922 Star Theatre, Mackay, Australia
13 Win 9–2–1 (1) Tom Batho TKO 14 (20) Jul 22, 1922 Theatre Royal, Townsville, Australia
12 Loss 8–2–1 (1) Colin Bell PTS 20 Jun 30, 1922 Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia For Australian heavyweight title
11 Win 8–1–1 (1) Jack Leahy PTS 20 Jun 3, 1922 Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia
10 Win 7–1–1 (1) Jim Flett PTS 15 May 1, 1922 Jim Flett, Australia
9 Loss 6–1–1 (1) Colin Bell PTS 20 Mar 17, 1922 Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia For ANBF and Australian heavyweight titles
8 Win 6–0–1 (1) Max Gornik RTD 15 (20) Feb 11, 1922 Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia
7 Draw 5–0–1 (1) Colin Bell PTS 15 Oct 27, 1921 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
6 Win 5–0 (1) Jack Cole PTS 15 Jul 23, 1921 Kaikohu Hall, Te Karaka, New Zealand
5 Win 4–0 (1) Albert Pooley PTS 15 Feb 11, 1921 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand Retained New Zealand heavyweight title
4 Win 3–0 (1) Albert Pooley PTS 15 Oct 27, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand Won New Zealand heavyweight title
3 ND 2–0 (1) Frank Gribben ND 3 Aug 27, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
2 Win 2–0 George Modrich PTS 15 Jun 8, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 Bill Bartlett TKO 9 (15) Feb 12, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand

Unofficial record

[edit]
70 fights 37 wins 23 losses
By knockout 15 6
By decision 17 16
By disqualification 5 1
Draws 8
No contests 2

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
70 Loss 37–23–8 (2) Stanley Poreda TKO 10 (10), 1:24 Mar 27, 1933 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
69 Loss 37–22–8 (2) Charley Retzlaff NWS 10 Mar 7, 1933 Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US
68 Loss 37–21–8 (2) Patsy Perroni PTS 10 Dec 6, 1932 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, US
67 Draw 37–20–8 (2) John Schwake PTS 10 Oct 25, 1932 Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, US
66 Win 37–20–7 (2) Hans Birkie PTS 10 Mar 16, 1932 Auditorium, Oakland, California, US
65 Loss 36–20–7 (2) Max Baer PTS 10 Feb 22, 1932 Seals Stadium, San Francisco, California, US
64 Draw 36–19–7 (2) Giacomo Bergomas PTS 10 Oct 26, 1931 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
63 Draw 36–19–6 (2) Jose Santa PTS 10 Oct 5, 1931 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US
62 Win 36–19–5 (2) Jose Santa PTS 12 Sep 10, 1931 Mark's Stadium, Tiverton, Rhode Island, US
61 Loss 35–19–5 (2) Jimmy Slattery PTS 6 Apr 20, 1931 Buffalo Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US
60 Loss 35–18–5 (2) Johnny Risko PTS 10 Apr 6, 1931 Arena Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
59 Loss 35–17–5 (2) Charley Retzlaff TKO 7 (10) Mar 6, 1931 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
58 Loss 35–16–5 (2) Max Baer KO 3 (10) Jan 16, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
57 Loss 35–15–5 (2) Emmett Rocco PTS 10 Oct 13, 1930 Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
56 Loss 35–14–5 (2) Frank Cawley UD 10 Sep 29, 1930 Kingston Armory, Kingston, Pennsylvania, US
55 Win 35–13–5 (2) George Panka SD 10 Sep 8, 1930 Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, New Jersey, US
54 Loss 34–13–5 (2) Tuffy Griffiths TKO 10 (10) Jul 30, 1930 Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US
53 Win 34–12–5 (2) George Hoffman PTS 10 Sep 26, 1929 Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US
52 Loss 33–12–5 (2) Victorio Campolo TKO 9 (10), 2:46 Aug 15, 1929 Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US
51 Win 33–11–5 (2) Elzear Rioux DQ 8 (10) May 29, 1929 Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Rioux DQ'd after Heeney claimed he was hit low 10 times
50 Loss 32–11–5 (2) Otto von Porat UD 10 Mar 12, 1929 Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, US
49 Loss 32–10–5 (2) Jim Maloney PTS 10 Mar 1, 1929 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
48 Loss 32–9–5 (2) Gene Tunney TKO 11 (15), 2:52 Jul 26, 1928 Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, US For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
47 Win 32–8–5 (2) Jack Delaney UD 15 Mar 1, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
46 Draw 31–8–5 (2) Jack Sharkey SD 12 Jan 13, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
45 Win 31–8–4 (2) Johnny Risko PTS 10 Oct 26, 1927 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
44 Win 30–8–4 (2) Jim Maloney KO 1 (12), 1:17 Sep 30, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
43 Draw 29–8–4 (2) Paulino Uzcudun PTS 15 Sep 8, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
42 Win 29–8–3 (2) Bud Gorman DQ 3 (10), 1:17 Aug 4, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
41 Win 28–8–3 (2) Jack DeMave PTS 10 Jun 24, 1927 Coney Island Stadium, New York City, New York, US
40 Loss 27–8–3 (2) Paulino Uzcudun PTS 10 Apr 1, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
39 Win 27–7–3 (2) Charley Anderson TKO 8 (10) Feb 25, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
38 Win 26–7–3 (2) Jack Stanley PTS 15 Oct 25, 1926 National Sporting Club, London, England, UK
37 Win 25–7–3 (2) Bartley Madden PTS 20 Aug 9, 1926 Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
36 Loss 24–7–3 (2) Phil Scott PTS 10 Jul 10, 1926 The Dell, Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK For Commonwealth heavyweight title
35 Win 24–6–3 (2) Tom Berry PTS 15 Jul 5, 1926 The Ring, London, England, UK
34 Win 23–6–3 (2) Charley Smith DQ 5 (10) Mar 18, 1926 Royal Albert Hall, London, England, UK
33 Loss 22–6–3 (2) George 'Blackie' Miller DQ 5 (20) Nov 14, 1925 Town Hall, Durban, South Africa Heeney's seconds entered the ring during the round
32 Win 22–5–3 (2) George 'Blackie' Miller DQ 8 (20) Oct 10, 1925 Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa Low blow
31 Win 21–5–3 (2) Vic Morace KO 4 (20) Jul, 1925 City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa Exact date unknown
30 Win 20–5–3 (2) Johnny Squires RTD 18 (20) Jun 15, 1925 City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa
29 Win 19–5–3 (2) Johnny Squires PTS 20 Apr 9, 1925 Town Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Loss 18–5–3 (2) George Cook PTS 20 Feb 12, 1925 Premierland, London, England, UK
27 Win 18–4–3 (2) Trooper Jim Young KO 4 (15) Jan 19, 1925 National Sporting Club, London, England, UK
26 NC 17–4–3 (2) Frans Hendrickx NC 6 (15) Nov 3, 1924 The Ring, London, England, UK Referee stopped the fight for lack of effort by both fighters
25 Loss 17–4–3 (1) Phil Scott PTS 20 Sep 22, 1924 The Ring, London, England, UK For vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title
24 Win 17–3–3 (1) Ern Young TKO 4 (15) Feb 20, 1924 Town Hall, Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand Retained New Zealand heavyweight title
23 Win 16–3–3 (1) Jim O'Sullivan KO 9 (15) Dec 26, 1923 Opera House, Palmerston North, New Zealand Retained New Zealand heavyweight title
22 Win 15–3–3 (1) Jim O'Sullivan DQ 5 (15) Nov 10, 1923 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand Won New Zealand heavyweight title
21 Win 14–3–3 (1) Jim Savage KO 1 (15) Oct 26, 1923 Princess Theatre, Napier, New Zealand
20 Loss 13–3–3 (1) Jim O'Sullivan PTS 15 Sep 26, 1923 Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand Lost New Zealand heavyweight title
19 Win 13–2–3 (1) Brian McCleary TKO 14 (15) Aug 14, 1923 King Edward's Barracks, Christchurch, New Zealand Won New Zealand heavyweight title
18 Win 12–2–3 (1) Jim Flett TKO 9 (15) Aug 2, 1923 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
17 Win 11–2–3 (1) Cyril Whittaker TKO 15 (15) Jun 4, 1923 Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand Whittaker died of injuries sustained in this fight.[4]
16 Win 10–2–3 (1) Jack Complin TKO 9 (20) Jan 1, 1923 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia
15 Draw 9–2–3 (1) Ern Waddy PTS 20 Dec 18, 1922 Unley Stadium, Adelaide, Australia
14 Draw 9–2–2 (1) Charlie Taylor PTS 20 Aug 12, 1922 Star Theatre, Mackay, Australia
13 Win 9–2–1 (1) Tom Batho TKO 14 (20) Jul 22, 1922 Theatre Royal, Townsville, Australia
12 Loss 8–2–1 (1) Colin Bell PTS 20 Jun 30, 1922 Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia For Australian heavyweight title
11 Win 8–1–1 (1) Jack Leahy PTS 20 Jun 3, 1922 Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia
10 Win 7–1–1 (1) Jim Flett PTS 15 May 1, 1922 Jim Flett, Australia
9 Loss 6–1–1 (1) Colin Bell PTS 20 Mar 17, 1922 Olympic Theatre, Mackay, Australia For ANBF and Australian heavyweight titles
8 Win 6–0–1 (1) Max Gornik RTD 15 (20) Feb 11, 1922 Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia
7 Draw 5–0–1 (1) Colin Bell PTS 15 Oct 27, 1921 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
6 Win 5–0 (1) Jack Cole PTS 15 Jul 23, 1921 Kaikohu Hall, Te Karaka, New Zealand
5 Win 4–0 (1) Albert Pooley PTS 15 Feb 11, 1921 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand Retained New Zealand heavyweight title
4 Win 3–0 (1) Albert Pooley PTS 15 Oct 27, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand Won New Zealand heavyweight title
3 ND 2–0 (1) Frank Gribben ND 3 Aug 27, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
2 Win 2–0 George Modrich PTS 15 Jun 8, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 Bill Bartlett TKO 9 (15) Feb 12, 1920 Opera House, Gisborne, New Zealand

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b McMillan, N. A. C. "Heeney, Thomas 1898–1984". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
  2. ^ Mackay, Joseph Angus. "Tom Heeney's Bid For World Crown" in Historic Poverty Bay and the East Coast, N.I., N.Z., 1949.
  3. ^ a b c "Expatriates — biographies", An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. Te Ara — The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 18 September 2007
  4. ^ a b c "BoxRec: Tom Heeney". Retrieved 27 March 2023. 
   5. Vogt, Anton: 'Tom Heeney in heaven,' New Zealand Listener, 14 October 1960

Further reading

[edit]
  • From Poverty Bay to Broadway: The story of Tom Heeney by Lydia Monin (2008)
  • Kiwis With Gloves On by Brian F O'Brien, published 1960, Reed.
[edit]
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