... there is a boxer; current or historical? It would be best if you could give an example for both, so that the topic is more comprehensive. P.S. inspired by the theme (thanks): https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/talented-fighters-with-no-ring-iq.696009/
Bernard Hopkins was the IBF & WBA(Super) light heavyweight world champion at age forty-nine and held titles all through his forties. Long after leaving his physical prime Hopkins was still dangerous mostly because of his ring savvy. He specialized in using his ring IQ to dismantle young hungry champions by taking away their strengths and exploiting their weaknesses.
I always think of guys who gave away massive physical advantages and were still in the mix with elite fighters in divisions that they had no business fighting in. Guys like Duran and Toney. But you could argue it was ill discipline in training (or at the meal table) that put them in those divisions, rather than their wanting to face tougher challenges
Archie Moore, you don't fight hundreds of bouts after you've turned 30, and then retire just short of 50 if you don't have a high Ring IQ. The man won the world title in his mid 30's, and kept it all the way to his late 40's, while never losing it. One sports columnist called him a ''Ring mechanic''. Here's the direct quote ''Opening the hood of an engine and exploring around inside for the weaker spots. Only, when he finds these, he doesn’t repair them. He makes them worse. It’s a trick a lot of mechanics have, but with Mr. Moore it’s a high art form. A loose bolt here, a slick valve there, and by the time Archie has got through tinkering, the transmission falls out.''
Waiting to see the nominations of “fighters” who made careers out of avoiding and/or spoiling a fight. In the meantime, I’ll offer up Sugar Ray Leonard.
I always thought Vitali had an underrated ring IQ. Seemed to be able to tell what his opponent was going to throw before they even got it off. Was never outboxed.
X2 Archie was the first that came to mind, the wisdom of the old mongoose! Ray Arcel once said he thought Benny Leonard would beat Duran in a fantasy matchup & that Benny would out-think him. There is plenty of high praise out there for Leonard's boxing IQ.
Today? Usyk, The Cat. None is able to hold him on the ropes or into a corner for more than 3 seconds.
Joe Loius Mayweather Hopkins Ward Duran SRL Finito Lopez Somebody said spoilers, so I offer Erislandy Lara (who should probably still be undefeated) Guillermo Rigondeaux (unfortunately had to become a spoiler in his retirement age) Crawford
This answer satisfies me the most. And I'm only now seeing how impressive Bernard Hopkins' career really was. BHOP has one defeat by knockout in his career, when he was 51 years and 337 days old (one more month and he would have entered the 53rd year of his life), and he had to be kicked out of the ring Well done to Bernard Hopkins and well done to @Oddone This content is protected
