Jack Dempsey vs. Harry Greb (1919)

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Ted Spoon, May 26, 2015.


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  1. Ted Spoon

    Ted Spoon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    We hear far more about the fact this one never happened than what would have happened.

    Let's take each version from 1919, their mutual peak.

    Fifteen rounds seems like the proper distance.

    Personally, I see Dempsey winning this one in a competitive yet clear manner. He could fight measured as the Gibbons bout proved, the weight difference would come into play as the fight hit double figures and Jack would target the body like Tunney, the difference being Jack would do more than get Harry's attention. Those raiding tactics against Dempsey would yield less gold, and eventually, shape his defeat for a possible late stoppage or points defeat.

    A frustrated Dempsey hitting air whilst sparring is no preamble for another bloodbath.

    Who've you got?
     
    Ted Spoon, May 26, 2015
    Ted Spoon, May 26, 2015
    #1
  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Dempsey people would surely schedule it for 20? Yes, over the long distances I tend to believe Dempsey would get it done.
     
    McGrain, May 26, 2015
    McGrain, May 26, 2015
    #2
  3. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Greb wouldn't last 15 rds with a prime Dempsey.
     
    mcvey, May 26, 2015
    mcvey, May 26, 2015
    #3
  4. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Maybe he could. Gibbons ran for 15. By all accounts Greb was as fast or faster. If he wanted to run, he could.

    Either way, Harry doesn't have the fire power to make it a fight.

    If this was a 4 round match, maybe Greb could draw
     
    Mendoza, May 26, 2015
    Mendoza, May 26, 2015
    #4
  5. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    McGrain, May 26, 2015
    McGrain, May 26, 2015
    #5
  6. edward morbius

    edward morbius Boxing Addict Full Member

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    big man and little man.

    I take Dempsey.

    Greb beat some heavies, but they weren't as good as Dempsey,
     
    edward morbius, May 26, 2015
    edward morbius, May 26, 2015
    #6
  7. Bummy Davis

    Bummy Davis Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    over 6 rds Greb could do it but as the fight goes on it will get harder to maintain mobility against a strong and quick heavyweight. I don't think Greb can survive and win at the same time in 10-15-or 20 rds but he can steal a 6 rounder
     
    Bummy Davis, May 26, 2015
    Bummy Davis, May 26, 2015
    #7
  8. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Greb on points.
     
    Unforgiven, May 26, 2015
    Unforgiven, May 26, 2015
    #8
  9. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Dempsey by murder, in a 15 rounder, or even 20 rounder.No way they were going to fight a 4 rounder.
     
    Titan1, May 26, 2015
    Titan1, May 26, 2015
    #9
  10. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Pick-em over 10.
     
    Seamus, May 26, 2015
    Seamus, May 26, 2015
    #10
  11. kingfisher3

    kingfisher3 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    dempsey, 65-35(with a big margin of error given we have no film of greb and no film of dempsey vs a greb like fighter). A great chin and speed are crucial to beating dempsey, for a smaller fighter particularly, so it's wrong to write off greb's chances imo.
     
    kingfisher3, May 26, 2015
    kingfisher3, May 26, 2015
    #11
  12. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Either Greb would win on points, or Dempsey would catch him at some point, and close the show.
     
    janitor, May 26, 2015
    janitor, May 26, 2015
    #12
  13. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Of course Dempsey is favoured to win.

    Same way he's a massive favourite over Wills.

    The issue is a real victory is better than a hypothetical one.
     
    lufcrazy, May 26, 2015
    lufcrazy, May 26, 2015
    #13
  14. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    Why not? He had a much easier time with Dempsey's best opponents than Dempsey did himself.

    Aren't you all about picking apart another fighters resume? But I guess that doesn't apply to Dempsey with you.


    Dempsey struggled with every A Class boxer he met. He had trouble winning rounds vs good boxers. He was susceptible to good right hands, left jabs, and straight accurate punching. Dempsey's defense got reckless on the inside, and he got too wild at times when going for the kill. I think Greb would give him all kinds of problems. Dempsey's size gives him the edge. Psychologically, Greg has the edge, since Dempsey did not want to fight him.
     
    SuzieQ49, May 26, 2015
    SuzieQ49, May 26, 2015
    #14
  15. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    Gibbons does not look good here. His punches have no snap on them, he lacks energy, he doesn't look fluid, he doesn't throw anywhere near enough punches.

    I suspect Harold Johnson would beat Gibbons over 15 rounds, something like 13 rounds to 2.
     
    SuzieQ49, May 26, 2015
    SuzieQ49, May 26, 2015
    #15
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