How would you describe SRR's style/methods of defence? Was it a great/good/competent defence? Did he balance attack and defence as well as SRL? Could he fight effectively as a defensive counterpuncher?
His defence was only decent. He had amazing reflexes though. Leonard's defense was better, which is the only thing Leonard was better than him at.
I think with Robinson he also backed his chin a lot more..he had no qaulms about taking a shot because he could usually send 2 or 3 back with more sting on them then whoever he was facing was throwing at him. For me he epitomizes the boxer-puncher role...Where he could adapt to basically any situation he was in. Where his basic doctrine was still to hit and not be hit but at the same time he was about winning, and sometimes you got to take a risk to get that win.
The obvious ones were his jab and lateral movement. Had decent head movement to. Could also role with punches quite well on the inside in a very subtle way. Another big one could be that everyone respected his power.
Great positioning. New where to place himself in relation to the opponent to avoid his best shots, especially inside. His lack of physical strength, certainly at MW, meant he could be pushed around, but he always held the line until it was time not to hold the line any more when his offence became his defence. He was better on the backfoot in this regard than any fighter ever. Gives a new perspective on defence.