Deontay Wilder & Harry Greb

Deontay Wilder has been the subject of much criticism during his career, in part because of his sub-par opponents chosen for his seemingly endless, voluntary mandatory defences. The other usual complaint, and the pertinent one for this thread, is aimed at his highly unorthodox, wild, off-balance offence, often described as "windmilling". Wilder will be seemingly getting out-boxed up until the moment he lands something before unleashing these panicky, messy attacks which invariably end with his opponent horizontal and Wilder victorious.

The legendary Harry Greb is routinely ranked by experts in the top 3 fighters in boxing history, however no tape of Greb in the ring exists so we are left with his resume with which to gauge his ability as well as eye witness accounts. Given his monikers of 'The Pittsburgh Windmill' or 'The Human Windmill' is it possible that Greb fought in a manner similar to the current WBC Heavyweight Champion, at least offensively, or rather Wilder stumbled upon a forgotten boxing style which was lost along with any recordings of Greb in action?

Obviously, given Greb's accomplishments against top tier opposition, I imagine he would boast a far superior all round skill set and I don't wish to offend or compare the two in overall ability. Although given his nicknames perhaps his offence would resemble the much maligned but so far highly effective Deontay Wilder. I realise this may not go down too well here in the 'classic' section but if Wilder steps up his level of competition and then goes on to topple the other titlists in the coming years with this same style, I might not seem so crazy after all.

 

Hey! My favourite poster, hows things buddy?

Thanks for the reply, I know a lot of posters will think I am trolling or just plain dumb but whenever I get an idea and can't find an answer I rely on you fine people of the classic forum to help me out.

I suspected Greb must have been far more accomplished in his craft than Wilder considering his acheivments. such a shame there is no footage of him fighting. Were any of his bouts known to have been recorded? (then destroyed or lost)

 

Hopefully he pops into the thread at some point, although he likely won't be too impressed with my Wilder comparison. Deontay should embrace the windmiller accusations, "The Bronze Bomber" isn't the greatest nickname ever - "The Alabama Windmill" is much better.

 

"Live Fast, Die Young the Life and Times of Harry Greb" by Stephen Compton?

Just so I am 100% sure is this the right one, Klompton/Compton

Can any of his friends or enemies here on the forum give a quick review?
(and/or link to possible thread?)
Is this the best book written on Greb? £32 on amazon

 

Is this because you are just not one for books?
I am curious why a boxing fanatic like yourself wouldn't be interested in reading this, especially as you respect the author and have heard good things about the book. Even though I am sure this book was a labour of love rather than a commercial venture, guys like you (not that I know you) are exactly who would be expected to buy it. A week ago I had to google "Merqui Sosa" because I didn't know who he was and even I am considering buying it.
(ps. I am not rich)