Harry Greb vs Tommy Loughran 5

On December 25, 1923, at Motor Square Garden in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Harry Greb and Tommy Loughran met for their fifth encounter in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Both fighters weighed approximately 168 pounds, with Greb slightly heavier at 168 and Loughran slightly heavier at 168½ pounds.

Greb, known for his relentless aggression, applied pressure from the outset, engaging Loughran in close quarters and employing roughhouse tactics. Reports from the Pittsburgh Post indicate that Greb secured five rounds, Loughran took three, and two were even. The first round was even, with Greb winning the second, Loughran taking the third, and Greb securing the fourth and fifth rounds. In the fifth round, Loughran landed a significant right hand that momentarily staggered Greb. However, Greb quickly retaliated with a flurry of punches, preventing Loughran from capitalizing on the moment. Loughran won the sixth and eighth rounds, with the seventh being even, while Greb took the ninth and tenth rounds.

Throughout the match, Greb's physical approach included hitting on the break and holding and hitting, manoeuvres that went largely unpenalized by referee Eddie Kennedy. Conversely, Loughran was cautioned for his lack of offensive output. An existing cut beneath Loughran's eye reopened early in the fight, adding to his challenges. Despite these obstacles, Loughran managed to land several clean punches, notably in the fifth round but struggled to maintain consistent offensive pressure against Greb's unrelenting assault.

Observers noted that Greb's performance, while effective, lacked some of the sharpness seen in his earlier bouts, suggesting a possible decline in form. Nonetheless, his relentless style and ability to control the pace secured him the victory by decision after 10 rounds. This bout further solidified Greb's reputation as a formidable force in the ring, while Loughran's resilience and skill foreshadowed his future success in the light heavyweight division.