
Harry Greb""Pittsburgh Windmill""
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Nationality
- USA
- Division
- middle
- Stance
- orthodox
- Height
- 173 cm
- Reach
- 180"
- Status
- inactive
- Total Bouts
- 121
- Total Rounds
- 1007
- Birth Place
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Birth Name
- Edward Henry Greb
- Pro Debut
- 1913-05-08
Harry Greb, also known as "The Pittsburgh Windmill" and "The Human Windmill," was born on June 6, 1894. Standing at a height of 173cm with a reach of 180cm, Greb made his mark in the world of boxing as a formidable middleweight.
Greb's fighting style was nothing short of unique and thrilling to watch. With his relentless energy and non-stop movement, he earned his nicknames as the "Windmill." He would constantly throw punches from various angles, overwhelming his opponents with a whirlwind of blows.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Greb's career is his incredible endurance. He fought an astonishing number of bouts, often taking fights against much larger opponents. This willingness to take on anyone and everyone earned him the reputation of a true warrior.
Despite his unorthodox style, Greb was highly skilled in the ring. He had excellent footwork, allowing him to dart in and out of range while constantly pressuring his adversaries. His punches were lightning fast and accurate, making it difficult for his opponents to find an opening to counter.
Greb's ability to adapt to different situations and opponents played a significant role in his success. He could effectively switch between boxing and brawling, depending on what his opponent brought to the table. His versatility and unpredictability in the ring kept his opponents on their toes.
Throughout his career, Greb faced some of the toughest fighters of his time. He went up against legends such as Gene Tunney, Kid Norfolk, and Mickey Walker, among many others. Despite often being the smaller man, Greb's determination and skill allowed him to emerge victorious against many of these formidable opponents.
Greb's reign as a middleweight champion was impressive. He held the title from 1923 to 1926, solidifying his place as one of the best in his weight class. His bouts against Tiger Flowers and Tommy Loughran are still talked about today, showcasing his dominance and tenacity in the ring.
However, Greb's path to success was not without obstacles. In his early years, he struggled to gain recognition due to the absence of a formal management team. He often took bouts on short notice, facing opponents who had more time to prepare and often outweighed him. Despite these disadvantages, Greb's sheer skill and determination propelled him forward.
One of Greb's most notable achievements was his victory over the legendary Gene Tunney. Tunney, who would later go on to defeat the great Jack Dempsey, was considered unbeatable at the time. However, in 1922, Greb defeated Tunney in a fifteen-round decision, proving that no one was invincible.
Throughout his career, Greb amassed an astonishing record. He had over 200 recorded fights, with a win-loss record that showcases his dominance. It's worth noting that due to the nature of boxing during Greb's era, where fights were often not officially recorded or recognized, his actual number of fights is believed to be much higher.
Unfortunately, Greb's career was plagued by eye injuries. His left eye, in particular, suffered severe damage over the years. Despite this, he continued to fight, relying on his other senses and sheer willpower to push through. His determination to persevere, even in the face of adversity, was a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport.
Harry Greb's impact on boxing extends far beyond his record in the ring. He was a true pioneer of the sport, known for his all-action style and willingness to take on any opponent. His relentless energy and unique approach made him a fan favorite and continue to inspire generations of boxers.
Even though his era may be distant, Harry Greb's legacy lives on. Through his extraordinary skills, unmatched work ethic, and undying spirit, Greb left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing. His story serves as a reminder that greatness knows no boundaries, and perseverance can overcome even the toughest of challenges.