Fighters that Changed their Style according to the opponent ?

Ward and Hopkins come to mind as very adaptable fighters with a diverse enough skillset to have completed several types of gameplans--taking it to fighters, being cagey, body punching, outworking, or just out-thinking. Mayweather as well was a master of this, as he put on great offensive showcases vs. Mosley and to a lesser extent Cotto (but his overhand right in this fight was awesome).

 

Thomas Hearns could box an opponent’s ears off or bomb them out with a savage attack.

He was versatile within fights at times, too. Leonard in the first fight he stalked, then when he got the worst of it a bit when Ray turned it into a shootout he boxed to gain a big lead before Ray chopped him down.

I remember Emanuel Steward saying the game plan for Cuevas was: Try to take him out for the first three rounds, box him for the next three rounds, then try to take him out in rounds 7-9.

Someone asked Steward what the plan was for 10-15 and Manny said, ‘There is no plan. With these two guys, there’s no way it goes that far. One of them will be knocked out.”

 

Usyk is a master as to change his style during a fight.

 

Frazier changed things up against Foreman in the rematch for obvious reasons. Wasn't the World's most graceful display, but he tried boxing a little more in that one, more jabs & lateral movement. Seemed to even take a page out of Ali's book and get a little rope-a-dope in there, although it was hard to tell sometimes if he was doing that on purpose, or if George was trapping him there. Didn't work, but Frazier absolutely had to try something different in that one.

 

Sugar Ray Robinson could box or punch.

Hector Camacho boxed when you had power and powered when you didn't, which is technically how youre supposed to do it.

 

Ezzard Charles hands down was one of the most versatile fighters ever. He could beat you on the outside with his jab and lateral movement or he could bang away in the trenches. He is also one of the most deadly counter punches ever.

Another guy was Alexis Arguello. He was a beautiful boxer but also a stone cold banger if he had too.

 

Sugar Ray Leonard: the thread

 

Joseph Parker recently made a smooth transition from outside fighter to rough front-footed pressure fighter. It was the best approach for a tall lanky guy like Wilder who can't fight backing up.

 

I've always thought his efforts were under appreciated. Lasted longer on his feet than any Foreman opponent, between Peralta II and Young, (with the exception of Ali), and the only one to make it five rounds without being dropped.

 

Sonny Liston. He could KO you, or outbox you. Very versatile fighter.

 

From what I've read, Benny Leonard might fit the bill for an old timer.