Jack Johnson? Ali obviously laterally aswell, though he had no idea how to defend himself when he couldn't rely on his feet. Jack Dempsey's bob & weave was pretty affective aswell, arguably better than the likes of Tyson's from a defensive prospective.
He was very solid in the early parts - before he abandoned his D and went looking for the one-punch KO's - but I don't see any arguement fro him having the greatest heavyweight defence of all time. Douglas picked him apart, and I think while very solid he was certainly hittable. That's indicated by the fact he lost via stoppage to the likes of Douglas close to/in his prime via stoppage despite having a top-class chin.
Was weighing between Corbett and Johnson, less so Tunney and Patterson. Voted for Papa Jack. Good calls on Toney and Jimmy Young, too.
Hell yeah. When you compare the defenses and how effective they were under the rules they evolved then Jack Johnson had the best defense at hw. Walcott is a good shout too.
Yes, sorry. I posted that before he posted up the poll. I was putting forward Johnson as a suggestion. The question mark was because I'm not definitive in putting him at #1.