Who rates his jab? After watching his two fights with Bowe, I rate it highly indeed. Lovely and crisp, especially when doubled up. Accurate as well. Anyone else see this punch as one of the most underrated in heavyweight history?
Underused, definitely. He could have won that first Bowe fight if he'd stuck to the jab. But he lost his temper when Bowe hit him in a clinch, went Hearns-Hagler on "Big Daddy" Bowe, got broken down in a great fight. Evander was overanxious to prove himself that night and paid for it going inside. He couldn't use the jab as much as he needed v Lewis, with Lewis being a tall outside fighter.
The first time I noticed just how good his jab was, was the fight against Buster Douglas. I was really impressed with the way he doubled and tripled up on it. Not only that, but he seemed to time the punch really well, and didn't just throw a jab to throw one.
I agree that when he used it, or indeed opted to box with his head in general, the man was a very underrated technician.