Reports I have read state that Greb should have been the victor in the 1st and that the 2nd could have gone either way. Can someone who has read more firsthand evidence than myself relate more on the situation of these fights. And while I know Greb was blind in one eye, how great was Flowers? I have read many of the Walker reports.
Their FIRST fight was in Fremont, Ohio. A 10 round ND affair. From what I've read from the primary source reports Flowers had the better of it with Greb maybe being entitled to a draw. Their second fight, in which Greb lost the title, was considered controversial. People thought the least Greb deserved was a draw. Their third fight was surrounded with paranoia and controversy in the days leading up to it. Walk "The Squawk" Miller, who was Flowers' mgr, made all these crazy accusations in the press that the fight was in the bag already for Greb and that his man Flowers was going to have the title stolen from him. Many picked up the war cry and the fight was held under close scrutiny. You have to hand it to Miller, because due to the stink he kicked up Tiger was given the benefit of the doubt in every close round by the judges. He was awarded a much decried split verdict. Gene Tunney, who was friends with both men and watched at ringside, had this to say: This content is protected Comissioner Muldoon thought Greb won as well.
Surf Bat is pretty much on ... a bit more info is that Flowers was a terrific fighter with a weak chin . He was lighting fast in his own right and threw a ton of punches, much like Greb ... since Harry was not a big puncher , Flowers was a difficult match up for him ... they were both about the same age but Harry seemed to have a lot more miles on him ...
Ive studied the Fremont fight for years now. 10 Rnd N.D. Tiger was never better that night. He said so himself. Harry was aging, sight impaired, and enjoying himself plenty after a middleweight title defense vs Ted Moore in Yankee stadium. The most prestigious boxing authority ringside that night was E.W. Dickerson, who called it a good draw. Another factor to keep in mind was Tommy Laughrans comment about Harry being a different kettle of fish in a no decision and an actual title defense.
