[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqIDl-_5HZY[/ame] Wlad is the textbook perfect example of a fighting tall imo, perhaps a poor vid to show it but meh O_O
Maybe I'm missing something, but how does Mayweather classify as "textbook"? :huh Guys such as Toney, Mayweather, Whitaker, as scientific and technically skilled they are, aren't what I would consider as textbook since they relied on their reflexes and athleticism, sometimes making mistakes and they get away with it. You can't teach a novice things that those guys are capable of doing. Textbook is just the basic technique that they teach you the moment you step into a boxing gym. Personally when I think of textbook, I think of this guy: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8xqtIkXsk[/ame]
Great thread and long overdue.:happy Finito Lopez had the best textbook style and was beautiful to watch in the ring.
But in a way they are. They apply a lot of very old school principles and they all fight with slightly more weight on the back foot. It's not just that they're reflexes are good, its that when you fight off the back foot its easier to see shots coming and you look closer than you really are, which in turn lures in your opponent to be countered. It's a very old school style and even though the three don't have the exact same style, the principles are the same. Look at the Charlie Burley video to see how people fought back then.
That's because most of the big ones are already named! eg. Joe Louis and Arguello. Another vote here for The Champion That Everyone Forgot, Charley Burley. Among the active boxers, would Chris John be the 'purest' one now? Haven't seen enough of Ivan Calderon... Ack, my baxing nallege ain't that good, so I'll (hesitantly) throw in: - Archie Moore ('crab' defense notwithstanding) - Orlando Canizales