Harry Greb vs. Johnny Wilson (1st meeting)
Harry Greb 158 lbs beat Johnny Wilson 158 lbs by UD in round 15 of 15
- Date: 1923-08-31
- Location: Polo Grounds, New York, New York, USA
- Referee: Jack O'Sullivan
- Judge: Charles F Mathison
- Judge: Frankie Madden
World Middleweight Title
Notes
The Pittsburgh Post reported that Greb did not fight in his usual cyclonic style. Evidently fearing disqualification he boxed in orthodox style. Wilson punched mainly for the body, winning the 10th, 14th, and 15th rounds. Greb took all of the others. The 8th was Harry's best round, and next to that the second. Greb won beyond argument even though he fought flat-footed. He was too quick and busy for the plodding Wilson. Nevertheless, it was not of Harry's better showings. (This is from the report of Regis Welsh.) Some writers thought that Greb still used a lot of rough tactics. One writer thought that the fight was close. All accounts showed that it was an ordinary fight, lacking thrills. Neither man was ever in danger of being stopped.
The New York Times, Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Brooklyn Standard Union all gave Greb 13 rounds and two for Wilson. The New York Sun gave Greb 11 rounds. The New York Daily News scored 10 rounds for Greb. The New York Telegram, Brooklyn Citizen and Brooklyn Times Union scored it for Greb as well. All accounts showed that it was an ordinary fight, lacking thrills. Neither man was ever in danger of being stopped.
IBRO Journal No. 139 article: [1]