As a huge fan of skipping, I like to look up footage of past boxers to take in anything that might improve my workout or technique. Out of all past boxers, who do you think had the smoothest, quickest and most skillful rope work?
Watch the youtube video- 'Rope Skipping From Past and Present Boxers' Ray Robinson, Duran and Tyson are unbelievable. Ali looked the smoothest.
Not to brag but I was one hell of a rope skipper back in the late 70's. This may sound crazy but at the time I was training exceptionally heavy. I would punch a 150 pound heavy bag for a half hour at a time, then skip rope 10,000 skips (yes 10,000). I forget if it took me 30 or 60 minutes but it was non stop at a constant high rate. (Only stopping if I happen to miss a skip which was rare). In the end I would be skipping in a nice circular puddle of sweat. Finally I would run 5 miles. In those days I was in insanely great shape ultra low body fat and 152 pound soaking wet. Then I met my future wife, got serious with my career and discovered I had a serious addiction to great food! Now at 56 I weigh 225 but no one guesses I weigh over 180. Assume I filled out from being wayyy over trained to a more reasonable weight over the years.
I'll go with Duran as well. Crossovers are one thing, as is skipping the rope in both directions, Squatting down into Kasotsky kicks are something else.
Jeffries Louis Robinson Patterson Liston Ali Duran Tyson Mayweather Great rope skippers that come to mind