Pittsburgh city leaders unveiled a new street sign honoring a former world champion boxer 100 years after his death.
The honorary “Harry Greb Way” is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Place, near where he previously trained — the Pittsburgh Lyceum. Officials also proclaimed Thursday “Harry Greb Day.”
The recognition honors Greb’s roots in the city and seeks to preserve his memory as a local sports icon. Nicknamed “The Pittsburgh Windmill,” Greb held the world middleweight championship title from 1923 to 1926 before his death at age 32 after complications from surgery.
Michael McSorley of the Conn-Greb Boxing Club spoke about the significance of this recognition.
“For too long his name has been better known among boxing historians and around the world than amongst people here in his own hometown,” McSorley said. “Today helps change that.”
During his boxing career, Greb achieved major historical milestones. In 1922, he became the first and only fighter to defeat boxing legend Gene Tunney.
Over the course of his boxing career, Greb defeated 16 future Hall of Famers.
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