Southpaws with the best defense other than Pernell Whitaker

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Flo_Raiden, Feb 18, 2025.

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  1. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    We all know that Sweet Pea was the best defensive southpaw of all time. But who comes close to being the second best in regards to being hard to hit in the southpaw stance? Which southpaw would you say has the best defense not named Pernell Whitaker?
     
    Flo_Raiden, Feb 18, 2025
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  2. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Usyk is pretty good, dunno about being the number 2 tho.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Feb 18, 2025
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  3. Ioakeim Tzortzakis

    Ioakeim Tzortzakis "The David Haye of Loma's Gay" -Edgar Allan Poe Full Member

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    Gerry Penalosa deserves a mention.
     
    Ioakeim Tzortzakis, Feb 18, 2025
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  4. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Dynamicpuncher, Feb 18, 2025
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  5. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Good mention. Very underrated technician.
     
    Flo_Raiden, Feb 18, 2025
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  6. Mastrangelo

    Mastrangelo Active Member Full Member

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    I think Guillermo Rigondeaux is a strong candidate for a second place.
     
    Mastrangelo, Feb 18, 2025
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  7. Jackomano

    Jackomano Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Bert Lytell, Joe Knight, and George Nichols were southpaws that weren’t easily to land on.
     
    Jackomano, Feb 18, 2025
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  8. Young Terror

    Young Terror ★ Griselda ★ Full Member

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    Hilário Zapata
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    Young Terror, Feb 18, 2025
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  9. Tin_Ribs

    Tin_Ribs Me Full Member

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    If we're talking as a full multi-faceted defensive package with the full repertoire of slipping, blocking, riding, weaving etc with sharp reflexes, ability to read/predict opponents, pivot, use lateral movement and adopt good positioning...... I'd say Zapata quite clearly. Nunn to a slightly lesser degree.

    Far more expansive in various ways than the likes of Wright, Usyk, Penalosa, Lomachenko etc but more let down by average durability/ethic and lapses of concentration etc. one of the lower weights great natural freaks of nature.

    Payakaroon was great too in this regard very briefly but over come by burn out and poor motivation when faced with the horrible marauding force of Fenech approaching his prime.
     
    Tin_Ribs, Feb 18, 2025
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  10. themaster458

    themaster458 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Since he hasn't been mentioned, Lomachenko had excellent defense even in his losses he was hard to hit clean.
     
    themaster458, Feb 18, 2025
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  11. Dorrian_Grey

    Dorrian_Grey It came to me in a dream Full Member

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    Dorrian_Grey, Feb 18, 2025
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  12. META5

    META5 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Not the answer but Hagler at his best was very well-rounded defensively IMO.

    Loma and Rigo have been excellent in more recent times.

    I'm good with the Zapata shout.
     
    META5, Feb 18, 2025
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  13. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

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    Lomachenko is up there.

    Usyk too. His defense is relatively simple looking but he has multiple subtle layers.

    How about Terrence Crawford? He didn't let Spence hurt him at all.
     
    dmt, Feb 18, 2025
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  14. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    robert ungurean, Feb 18, 2025
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  15. Mastrangelo

    Mastrangelo Active Member Full Member

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    I liked Spaddy, but He was extremaly hittable for a fighter having a "slick boxer" reputation.
     
    Mastrangelo, Feb 18, 2025
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