The fighter that ranks highest on my p4p all time list who had a good defense, is my #1 SRR. The fighter that ranks highest on my p4p all time list who was a defensive specialist, I.e. defense was the cornerstone of their entire fighting style and their number 1 attribute, is my #11, Willie Pep.
Nicolino Locche was good. Perhaps his lack of power hurt his legacy and also lack of footage but what little you can view of him he made his opponents almost say “****ing hell you takin the ****?” Which of course he was.
Davey Day never suffered a cut in over 250 fights amateur and pro. Armstrong and Ambers refused to fight Davey a 2nd time, turning down $35,000 for rematch. He sent Armstrong to the hospital and had no warm up fights for three months before being matched. Henry had three fights prior to meeting Day. Also, Canzonari , Jenkins duck him. Armstrong had to be helped out of the ring still wearing his crown. Ambers was lucky it didn't go 11 rounds as Day took the last 3 rounds and Ambers was reading to go, in losing a split decision. Day was robbed.
It's arguably Mayweather based on results, although he didn't face nearly enough true elite killers to put his defense to the test compared to other defensive wizards. Zero knockouts or knockdowns (outside of the unofficial knockdown against Judah). Only got cut twice I believe across multiple weight classes, hell of a feat.
I know it’s relative to his era and the degree of offence he had to contend with back in the day - but Johnson’s defensive measures (yes, including clinches and holding which many other fighters were prone to in his day - Jack simply did it better) ensured that he finished his long career more or less unmarked and unscathed.
Pep was fantastic, but less flashy than the rest. Locche, Mayweather, Benitez, and Sweet Pea also come to mind when you think of the defensive specialists. There were also great many ATGs with more rounded skillset but an astonishing defense as well: Charles, Walcott, Moore etc.
Pep, Johnson, Benny Leonard, Whittiker, you should do a poll so we can get some scores to see who wins!