Were Ali the first to use these moves?

Oh sorry.

 

I think you're right about the Moore example.
The second Pep example I think was more of a check hook than a jab.

 

Thats a really neat angle on the moore knockdown, i never noticed that he did some sort of flailing motion with his right arm to load up on the counter.

 

Just what in the hell is that Moore shot that knocked Marciano down anyway? I Saw some motions there in that GIF that I've never seen before...
What was that arm and shoulder movement of Archie's?

 

Yeah. You can really see why he was one of the greatest knockout artists of all time right here.
The flailing motion of his arm is due to the should snap. Like a ball at the end of a chain.
Or as Shavers trainer described it, like a sling shot.

 

The shoulder snap! It really is amazing to see here.
He generates his power from his shoulder, and whips his fist.
Very similar to the "phantom punch." Difference is Ali's was a overhand/straight hybrid, Moore's is a uppercut/straight right hybrid.

 

Yeahj,..that...that's what I'm talking about...

 

Thanks both for the GIF and the explanation Rez!!

 

Pulling back from an opponents hook is basic boxing. You will find it written in boxing training books from the early 20th century. Probably earlier. Ali with his reflexes and athleticism made everything look special and effortless. The sign of a great athlete.

 

It was great when he was at his peak but as soon as he lost that bit of speed he was open to shots, he was doing this all night against Frazier in the FOTC, the difference is Frazier was catching him hard and often, that much so it's frustrating watching Ali failing. He would have been much better off using a conventional defence as he aged and slowed down.

 

True.
He made hard work of Bonavena too, truth be told. The way he ended it was great but he was failing in a lot of his moves throughout the fight.

Having said that, 1971 Frazier was better than anyone he faced in the 1960s, and Bonavena was probably among the top 3 or 4 he'd faced.

 

Duran was a master at riding a punch to take the steam off it.

 

That left hook was magnificent, it almost took Bonavena's head off.