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The fierce boxing rivalry settled on Christmas Day

DAZN Staff

DAZN

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They fought each other six times.

Harry Greb, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time (he's ranked fifth by Sports Illustrated) against Tommy Loughran, the man rated the sixth best light heavyweight ever by the International Boxing Research Organisation - theirs' was a rivalry that stood the test of time.

Boxing is not a common feature of Christmas Day, but back in 1923 the duo fought each other for the fifth time.

Let's travel back in time to look at the fight and to unpack the rivalry between these two great boxers.

Who were Harry Greb and Tommy Loughran?

Harry Greb: Known as ‘The Pittsburgh Windmill,’ Greb was relentless in the ring, overwhelming opponents with his frenetic pace and unyielding pressure. With a career record of 262-17-19, Greb remains a legend in boxing history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters ever.

Tommy Loughran: Dubbed ‘The Philadelphia Phantom,’ Loughran was a defensive genius who relied on speed, footwork, and an impeccable jab. He became one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, amassing a record of 90-25-12.

Both fighters embodied contrasting styles, making their rivalry a clash of wits and willpower.

The build-up to the Christmas Day fight

By 1923, Greb and Loughran had already faced each other four times. Their record stood at two wins apiece, setting the stage for a pivotal fifth bout.

Both men were at the peak of their careers, with Greb reigning as the undisputed middleweight champion and Loughran ascending as a top contender in the light heavyweight division.

The fight was held in Philadelphia, with fans braving the cold to witness a spectacle that promised fireworks.

The Christmas Day clash

The bout was a 10-round non-title contest, but the stakes were high as both men sought supremacy in their rivalry.

True to form, Greb unleashed his signature whirlwind of punches, refusing to give Loughran a moment's rest.

Loughran, ever the strategist, used his defensive skills to counter Greb’s aggression, slipping punches and landing crisp counters.

Despite his efforts, Greb’s relentless pace and sheer volume of punches wore Loughran down.

After 10 gruelling rounds, Greb was awarded the decision, securing a critical victory in their rivalry.

The rivalry's legacy

Greb and Loughran faced each other six times in total, with Greb winning three, Loughran winning two, and one bout ending in a no-contest.

Each fight showcased their respective strengths—Greb’s ferocity and Loughran’s finesse—and demonstrated the enduring appeal of contrasting styles in boxing.

Their rivalry was a testament to their skill, determination, and the era’s no-holds-barred ethos, where fighters regularly squared off against the best.

Beyond the ring

Greb’s career was cut short when he died in 1926 at just 32 years old due to complications from surgery. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest remains intact.

Tommy Loughran’s continued success: Loughran went on to become the light heavyweight champion and later fought heavyweight greats like Gene Tunney and Jack Sharkey. His career longevity and adaptability solidified his place in boxing history.

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