I would say Bob Fitzsimmons then Greb and Robinson in a tie for 2nd place. From Tracy Callis (Callis is a member of the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) and elector to the International Boxing Hall Of Fame): "Bob Fitzsimmons was the greatest middleweight fighter of all-time, the second greatest light-heavyweight fighter of all-time, and the best "pound-for-pound" fighter in the history of the boxing" During his career, held three world championship titles – middleweight, heavyweight, and light heavyweight, Jack Johnson rated Fitzsimmons better than anyone in boxing history. http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box6-99.htm#fitz
Hey, Burt. I'm glad you participated. I thought you would pick Greb, though this time you added even more insight. I agree with you on your points. Do you have a top ten pound for pound list? If you do, would you mind listing it. I value your opinion and would like to take a look. If not, that's ok. Thanks again for your post.
Abdullah, Nice to hear from you...To list the ten greatest fighters is hard to do..I go with my intuition, and what impact the fighter had in his times...What obstacles the fighter had to overcome, and what the writers of his time wrote about him...And my imagination...Some interchangeable... Greb Fitzimmons Langford Ray Robinson Benny Leonard Joe Gans Jack Dempsey Joe Louis
Gene Tunney Ezzard Charles Jack Johnson Henry Armstrong [omitted by oversight ] Ike Williams Roberto Duran Willie Pep Just opinions as we all have,abdullah
Thanks, Burt. Great list. As you probably already know, Greb was calling Dempsey out all the way back in 1918, before Dempsey ever won the heavyweight title, or so I read. It is known that Greb was able to outbox Dempsey in their sparring sessions, even though they were probably only for a few rounds. Who would you pick if they had fought in 1919, after Dempsey won the title. If they fought in 1923-1924, who would you pick? It would've been truly amazing if Greb had become the World Heavyweight Champion, especially if he had beaten the legendary Jack Dempsey. My love for Greb and the newspaper reports of him outboxing Dempsey make me lean towards Greb. How about you, Burt?
Thanks again, Burt. I think you are like me when making these list. The more you think about it, the longer the list becomes. Since the beginning of the Marquess of Queensbury rules in 1867, we have had some great, great pugilists. It is extremely difficult to pick only ten.
Abdullah, you know of my admiration for harry Greb..However I have read many accounts of Greb saying this..." If I ever fought Dempsey in a regular fight, after a few rounds Jack woukd kill me "...I have read this statement in old Ring Mags, many years ago, and from boxing writers of the time...A peak Dempsey at 190 lbs ,would eventually corner and ko even Harry Greb, as even Greb admitted, in a real fight...But Greb would have fought Dempsey, if given the chance...As the book title implies, Greb was fearless...B.B.
Amazing Robinson is number 1 in most picks in regards to pound for pound. As said before, Greb was calling Dempsey out for a title shot(And along with Harry Wills EARN the said title shot. Greb if rankings were there back than, would have made a good number 2 contender) Robinson on the other hand when offer a possible Marciano fight for the heavyweight title, turn it down. I pretty sure Harry Greb would have jump at the chance.
Fitzsimmons, Langford and Charles are the only other ones I can see have a claim for the number one spot aside of Greb, Armstrong and Robinson. The others you have don´t have enough arguments. If I had to pick I´d take Greb.
Robinson is the greatest imo. I think Greb has a better resume but I cant give him the number one spot so hes a close second.