The boxers that I enjoy the most are the ones that are the most talented. But often times, and this is something you see in all professions in life, the people that are the most talented/genuis are also the most eccentric and unstable, and can self destruct and not be the most reliable. Rarely do these people live consistent lives. So, who are the absolute most talented boxers of all time? Consistency, longevity, and overall resume have no importance here, although they can be a side effect. Who had the absolute highest highs?
My of definition of boxing talent seems to differ from the consensus. People put a very heavy emphasis on athletic talent..Athleticism is an important part of "boxing talent", perhaps the most important but its not the only thing. I think durability, stamina, a natural eye for seeing punches, a fighting instinct and mental fortitude and other intangibles play a pretty big part. Punching power and strength do also. I said this not long ago..Thats why I cant see why a guy like Mayweather is anymore talented then say a Chavez..both have different strengths and have developed a style that complements these. In short I think the "top tier" boxing talents in my eyes are Robinson and a prime Duran. With guys like Leonard, Pea, Jones, Pep and Ali being pretty much on there level for different reasons but probably not quite.
Robinson Duran Benny Leonard Hagler Tony Ayala Hon. mention to Whitaker and SRL There's many more, but these are offhand.
It's all god being a fan but where's your objectivity. How is Ayala one of the most talented boxers of all time???????????????
Here are some fighters that aren't ATGs, but may have had ATG talent: Meldrick Taylor Samart Payakaroon Tyrone Everett
For starters, abnormally freakish power. When Tony was a teenager, many observers thought he fought like an old pro, namely Hagler himself. He could slip and counter to the head and body far better than many top-ranked contenders. Despite being barely controlled in the ring, Tony could pick his shots effectively-see Epps fight. And he could bob and weave if he needed to-see his National Golden Gloves title bout with Lamont Kirkland. It's not that Tony had no defense, it's that his relentless offense overcompensated for it. From the age of 8 onward, Tony Ayala never lost a fight. A lot of the guys he KO'd were considerably older (thus bigger) and more experienced, some of them champions. Even as a kid Torito was a brutally hard puncher, but I don't think he beat those guys on just that alone. I really don't expect to convince you of anything, but there's just something about that guy that stands out to me, talent-wise.