Real Story on Greb-Flowers I & II/

It's been a subject of controversy for some time. After Klompton's book came out we got the clear story on it. Looks like Harry edged him, so it shall be changed shortly.

 

Thanks for the clarification Surf Bat

 

No problem. It's difficult slogging through all the misinformation and false wire reports that plagued the no-decision era and getting to the truth. Takes time and I appreciate y'all's patience Give a shout-out to Klompton for finding ALL the primary sources and putting them in his magnum opus on Greb.

 

A fella had to put a bullet through his heart and head to commit suicide back in those days? Maybe the old timers really were tougher.

 

There is a new book out about flowers, by bob mee of boxing news out now!!

 

What is boxrec's standard for 'newspaper' wins anyway ?
They seem to change them around a bit.

 

I thought most felt Flowers beat Greb in the first fight.. Some might have felt he didn't do ENOUGH to take the title outright.. but most felt he could the better of the fight. Just because it's not overwhelmingly convincing doesn't mean flowers didn't get the better of it. I've also never heard Flowers won the 3rd fight.. I thought it was a known robbery.

 

Terrible book. TERRIBLE.

 

Just get Klompton's for the answers you seek

 

The first fight, in Fremont, Greb won by an overwhelming margin of first hand newspaper accounts (more than 2 to 1). I dont believe either the second or third fights were robberies. I think Greb was essentially shot in those fights and Flowers edged them out. Greb did better in the third than he did in the second but it still wasnt enough. The majority of reports in both the second and third fights favor Flowers saying he wasnt very good but Greb was so shot that it was enough to get by him.

 

HUH?? Seems like Klompton just said the exact opposite Big Surf

 

Thanks for that insight Klompt as it was an unbiased opinion and seemingly reflects the newspaper reports. I always heard Greb was robbed in the 3rd fight.. guess the primary sources don't back that up

 

??? Ohhh 2012.. Just noticed the date you posted this.. which was after some new info came out in Klompton's book

 

Flowers-Greb III - here is a write-up from boxrec:

"Tiger Flowers is still world's middleweight champion today. He retained the title in taking the decision over Harry Greb in 15 rounds of rough and tumble fighting in MSG last night. The 15,000 fight fans present did not regard the 2-1 verdict of judges Mathison, Barnes and Crowley with favor. It was a Greb audience that watched the fight. They came ready for a spectacle of the old-time Greb fury. They saw plenty of rough stuff, but Greb's assault lacked the power of other battles. Flowers, on the other hand fought a consistent fight and although forced by the Pittsburgh boy to alter his attack each time Greb's rushes and wrestling became maudlin, he managed to regain his form. When referee Crowley announced the verdict, the news was greeted by a storm of straw hats and papers, pelted into the ring by disappointed friends of the Pittsburgh fighter." -United Press

-Just prior to entering the ring Greb was served a summons by a process server in an action by one A.H. Bronis who was suing Harry for $250,000 charging alienation of affections of Sally Bronis. Sally was also suing Greb for $100,000 for alleged breach of promise.

Unofficial scorecards

-United Press (Henry Farrell) - 7-6-2 Flowers
-International News Service (Davis J. Walsh) - The report gave Flowers 10 of the 15 rounds. It was not clear if the remaining 5 went to Greb or if some rounds were scored even.

Post fight comment

- "I thought the decision was perfect." -Patsy Haley, NY referee

 

The majority of ringside reports for the 2nd and 3rd Greb-Flowers bouts agree with the official decision.