The Brits who took on the great Harry Greb

[Alex]

The forgotten story of… the Brits who took on the great Harry Greb

Few fighters from bygone days still captivate fight fans to the degree of the legendary Harry Greb, world middleweight champion between 1923 and 1926. This non-stop fighting fury from Pittsburgh made his mark as one of boxing's most outstanding and intriguing figures. At 5ft 8in and 11stone 6lbs he dished out hidings to the leading light-heavyweights of his day; he was the only man to defeat world heavyweight champion Gene Tunney, and he fought through his best years while blind in one eye. His death at age 32 on a hospital operating table during a routine nose op is equally puzzling, and rumours of foul play still flourish.

The life and ring exploits of Greb are now well known, particularly in light of Bill Paxton's 2009 biography, The Fearless Harry Greb. What isn't so well known is the fact that Greb fought three British opponents – one of whom came close to beating him.

In the early 1920s Britain had five decent middleweights with aspirations of earning a world title shot: Tommy Milligan, George West, Frank Moody, Roland Todd and Ted Moore, all of whom ventured to America in the hope of tempting Greb into the ring. Of that quintet, only the last three succeeded, and only Moore earned a world title fight. But back then each weight class had only one world champion, so securing a shot was no easy feat. These are the Brits who took on the legendary Greb.

Continue reading here:

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2011/forgot ... harry-greb

[dondada]

Fantastic piece, Alex.

Good to read some historical perspectives amongst all the more transient stuff

[Alex]

Thanks guys.

I couldn't agree more, Macho. Boxing's history is filled with fascinating stories, and they're often entwined with a broader social history.

It's a pity that the trade press no longer runs historical features.

[wrimc]

Great piece Alex really enjoyed reading well researched historical pieces are hard to come by nowadays but are in my opinion one of the most enjoyable parts of being a boxing fan.

[Alex]

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the feedback.

[Old bones Ian]

Hi Alex, good piece mate.

Keeps me going at work, more interesting than the job i do

[NazNaci1]

A very nice read, indeed.

[Alex]

Cheers chaps.

And there was I thinking it was only pensioners (and me) who like this sort of stuff!

Nothing like a bit of web-browsing to pass a dull day at work.