Gibbons was an outstanding fighter who contended in the late teens and early 1920s from Middleweight to Heavyweight; Gibbons, like his older brother, Mike, was a very clever fighter that knew every trick in the book and was very difficult to hit cleanly

Gibbons' most famous moment came in defeat, when in 1923 he challenged Jack Dempsey for the Heavyweight crown; Gibbons who was desperate for a title shot agreed to take the fight while only being paid expenses, while Dempsey was paid $200,000; During the fight, Gibbons made Dempsey look bad, but ultimately lost the 15 round decision; Gibbons fought on till 1925 when he was stopped by Gene Tunney

In retirement, Gibbons was elected to the post of Sheriff four times, and remained a pillar of his community till his death; Gibbons was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1963 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993

The Cyber Boxing Zone
 

                                            St. Paul, Minn.
                                                 August 11, 1925

   Dear Dr. Jaffin,
         Your letter was greatly appreciated, I have
written a very few lines since my rebound home
as Mrs. Gibbons has been desperately sick. The
last 10 days have been wonderful, and I hope that
the attack of indigestion that came with today
leaves as quickly as it came. She has been in
bed four months and the best possible conditions
will hold her there for at least another month.
            I have wanted to write to A.J. and will
some of these fine days. Tell him that I would
like nothing better than another game of golf with
you both. Tell him I resent his win over me.
             Remember me to our good friends at
the club and my very best to you.

                                Sincerely  -  Tom Gibbons