Lennox Lewis had great timing when he was looking for certain shots. Jersey Joe Walcott also could time his shots with the best of them.
Good call on Lewis im not a fan of his,but i do agree with this. Wlad Archie Moore I must say though that Arguello,Louis,little Lopez really stand out for me,and im sure alot to do with their awesome power.
Some immediate standouts for me are Arguello, JMM, Chavez, Louis, Lewis and Floyd. I think Arguello has to be the king of this though. I've seen him KO so many guys because he timed them perfectly and threw the punch at just the right instant, so it would slip through a guard or counter a punch perfectly. Take Rooney and Costello for example. 8:30 [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd30SKv1d_o[/ame] 3:50 [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gCSw9emh3k[/ame] (Hell, Arguello's timing is so perfect he even manages to make the commentators look like idiots by delivering at just the right moment. :good)
I felt Duran's timing was a key to his ability to land and score as he advanced in years and somewhat decreased in hand speed. He had a knack for deflection marksmanship, aiming a shot at where he knew his opponent's head would be, and catching him with a big punch. Where Watt is concerned, timing and rhythm were critical for overcoming his speed deficit. (Jim was also naturally right handed, so he was able to produce a fine southpaw jab, not a common asset in his era.) I don't think he gets enough credit for his performance against Arguello, or the fine decision win over Davis, Jr. Only a great fighter, not merely a very good one, could have defeated and dethroned him.
Bugger!! you beat me to it with Jersey Joe Walcott - the more I think about the more I think Jersey Joe was (in his time) the most under appreaciated fighter to win the heavyweight titlle. Both good shouts actually - the first right hand of Lewis' that decked Ruddock was one of the best examples of this I think - he was really amazing in that fight
I'm right there with you on both those guys. Gushiken looks awesome with his clinical combinations. I don't think he is ever mentioned enough. As for Locche, he is a wizard. I don't think I really have to say much to get the point across.
A great example of a timed punch...Watch the second Dempsey /Tunney long count fight...Dempsey finally has Tunney on the ropes at last...It shows the 32 year old Dempsey,catching Tunney with a left, followed by a quick right,and then as he is ready for the 3rd left hook,Dempsey holds back for a mini second ,so he could time the left hook better and then lets it fly,finding its target...Lord,what Dempsey must have been like ,in his prime?.