It could be said it is the best in the history of the sport. Out of all of the HOF's on his record,who did Greb say was his toughest opponent(s)? Was a bout with Sam Langford ever considered at any time?
Greb said the following about Gene Tunney after he brutalized him in the first bout. "It wasn't an easy fight; it was my hardest. I was so arm-weary and leg-tired from trying to knock Gene out, I was in almost as bad shape as he was... I was in there with a guy who has an iron jaw and an iron will, and I don't look forward to our next meeting..." Reportedly, Greb was asked about fighting Lanford and laughed at the prospect, "do you want me to commit suicide?"
Interesting stuff! Thanks for the comments Stonehands...:good Philadelphia Jack O'brein commented that, " When Langford shows up for a fight, you know your goose is cooked."
What report did you hear that from? He'll fight and beat Tunney, beat Dempsey all over over the ring in sparring, and then chicken out of facing Langford? Seems a bit off to me.
I have stacks of magazines and books. Please don't ask me to find the quote! If it's any consolation, Dempsey feared Langford too, and is on record about that. Granted, you have to factor in that both men were from a society that was more polite in many ways.
Dempsey did draw the color line, so praising Langford seems to have more to do with legitimate respect rather than the hollow variety.
Greb never said that. Neither of those are legitimate Greb quotes. If you are going to post bunk like that cite your sources.
I heard it was Harry Wills who Greb didn't fancy fighting, I dont know about Langford. Still, of course Greb would want Dempsey. Apart from the fact that Greb gave him fits in 4-round sparring sessions, a fight with Dempsey offered huge payday, and was for the championship. I remember back in 1989 everyone wanted Tyson, who was that football player Mark Gastiani? (sp?) wanted to fight Tyson ! That doesn't mean they were more confident in beating him over others they might have turned away from.
