Al Grayber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Among Grayber's first fights was in 1911 against the World's Lightweight Champion Battling Nelson when Nelson was in Pittsburgh at the old Gayety Theatre on an exhibition circuit taking on all comers.

Other well-know boxers he came up against were Walt Monohan, Joe Chip, Eddie Ramsey. After coming back from a stint in World War I he was managed as an amateur by Jimmy Mason who also managed Harry Greb. A fight was set up between the two of Mason's boys with the winner to go to the PROS. Greb won a tough bout and the rest is history.

 

 

Grayber went on to become a well respected member of the Pittsburgh community as a city detective for many years, but maintained many friends from the boxing world and gained much respect as a referee. Among his many friends was T.S. Andrews who upon his death in the mid 1940's passed much of his boxing memorabilia on to Grayber.

Al Grayber was involved in boxing all of his life and was friends with many of the greats inside and outside the ring.

 

 

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---The following is an article from the Nov 27, 1914 issue of the Pittsburgh Post:

FOLEY AND GRAYBER FIGHT DRAW - by Harry Keck

Al Grayber, Sheraden's stellar scrapper, and John Foley, the Lawrenceville luminary, lightheavyweights, fought a good six-round draw in the main mill of the all-star boxing show at Duquesne Graden last night. The fight was even at all stages and always interesting.

Grayber seemed wary of his heavier opponent throughout, and never abandoned his long distance tactics. He showed his respect for Foley's short arm swings and straight blows to the face by leading lightly and stepping back during the major part of the early rounds. At times, however, when forced, he would open up and trade blow for blow with Foley.

The latter was full of flight but was unable to fathom Al's style. As a result, much of his aggresiveness was wasted. Both landed hard and to the mark frequently, but not enough to inflict telling damage. Several of Foley's vicious short-arm uppercuts and straight pokes flush upon the face might have ended the fight inside the limit had they landed. Grayber prevented such an outcome by fighting a cool, clever battle and stepping around the ring continously. He used every inch of the canvas to advantage.

Clinches were frequent, but both broke clean. There was little infighting. Most of the body blows struck were aimed as the two men came in or as they met toe to toe. At no time did they remain close more than a few moments.

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-pictured here is a great 4 X 5 vintage promotional photo of Harry Greb and Al Grayber two Pittsburgh boxers who were both managed by Red Mason in the teens. Mason pitted the two in a fight in 1915 with the winner to be the one who he would take under his wing and nuture toward the championship. Greb won, and the rest is history.

 

 

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