Awkward Fighters in Boxing History?

Who are some of the most successful fighters throughout boxings past eras whom appear unrefined on film or display unusual technique or unique style?

I just read a thread about Deontay Wilder and the consensus is that he would get KO'd by comeback Foreman. I realise Wilder remains untested against the highest level opponent so the Foreman pick isn't unreasonable (although I personally think DW would win a UD) but the other consensus view is that Wilder has horrible technique. Although my eyes see the same ungainliness in Wilder as the critics in that thread I also suspect that looks may be deceiving and he could be more balanced and composed than how he appears. Then again, maybe they are right and he will be exposed when he steps up. Time will tell I suppose...

So I wondered if there may be examples of Wilder-esque fighters of old who silenced their critics by succeeding with their unpopular or awkward fighting styles and machinations. Harry Greb shares the 'windmill' comparison with Wilder, although in the formers case in a more flattering sense. Who else?

 

John Ruiz certainly had an unpopular fighting style and was fairly successful.

 

Well Monzon was stylistically ungainly and awkward-looking, which I think influenced people to think he would struggle against Napoles and Valdes, but looks were definitely deceiving in his case. He wasn't wild though.

 

Rocky Marciano was useless at everything apart from winning fights.

Kirkland Laing was great at everything apart from winning fights

 

I watched Jeff Horn v Corcoran yesterday,Id say he is awkwardly effective.

 

Monzon not only knew what he was doing at all times, he probably knew what his opponents were doing even better than them. Controlled "awkwardness" as his record of 87-3-11-1 suggests.

 

Great, pithy post 5016!

 

Why would anyone put the "king" in any 'awkward' category? He was pretty much 'conventional' in every aspect.

 

I was never a big fan of the word awkward in boxing as it could imply inferior. Boxers use what they can. It may look odd, but that does not mean it's not efficient.

I find the awkward types have their brand of balance, which allows them to get away with things, and sometimes makes them harder to engage.

 

I think Paul William's wouldn't be a terrible shout out here.

 

Gene Fullmer, Oscar Bonavena

 

I'd say Bazooka Limon qualifies for being an "awkward" fighter.

 

All I can think of is that his opponents certainly fell awkwardly.

 

Now that's an awkward fighter...and I was a fan of his...i love the way he came storming back....yes, awkwardly,...to ko Rolando Navarette.

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"Gypsy" Joe Harris certainly sounded like one of the oddest in ring performers of all time, from everything I've ever heard anyway.