I don't suppose Joe Louis especially for speedy footwork would make the list, but his footwork against Max Baer was beautiful.
Rey Vargas was a joy to watch, when he beat Gavin McDonnell, he was almost gliding in and out of range. Wonderful footwork IMO that night. Not seen him since to have a further opinion but was very impressed that night
I agree with the majority on here and make it unanimous. Marvin Hagler. From the mid late 70s into the early 80s his footwork was (what's that word)? Exquisite! It was Marvelous! It was so subtle, effective yet understated.
What type of great foot work are we discussing? Are we discussing foot work of a fighter that uses it to confuse and avoid any retaliation, or footwork of a fighter who constantly is cutting off the ring effectively? J.Louis, R.Duran, A.Arguello, C. Zarate, G.Foreman, J.Frazier, M.Tyson, R.Olivares, were all great at forcing their opponents to go where they wanted them to go. Fighters like Ali (prime) Pep, Napoles, Hagler, Leonard, Camacho ( before Rasario) Robinson were great at maneuvering their opponents to be were they wanted them to be by their foot work.
Napoles definitely for positioning though his feet were a little slow. I’d say Luis Rodriguez is in the discussion too. I know a lot was based on bouncing around, lateral movement but he’d position his feet well at all times too. Pastrano is definitely a great shout. Of modern times I felt Roy Jones and these days Lomachenko is incredible as is Usyk for a man his size. His footwork is incredible.
Calvin Grove could really move at feather. Johnny Famechon could glide. Ralph Dupas could move although in truthchavent really seen too mjch of him. Virgil Hill could move. Greg Haugen had sneaky footwork. Luis Rodriquez could move. Lonnie Smirh literally flew around the ring vs Chavez. Roger Mayweather could get on his bike if he wanted. Bernard Taylor could glide. Jeff Fenech could close the gap quick. bernard Hopkins was a master at using movement as a weapon.
Superior footwork is ability not to run away but stay in range while dictating range using angles and putting yourself in position not to get hit . There's also ability to cut the ring off , footwork isn't just running out of range. Id still say M.Tyson 80's or Holyfield . Holyfield got a win off Bowe when he actually used it in the second fight. Today Usyk and Loma stand out.