Are Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes the two most technically gifted Heavyweights ever?

They both had their share of technical shortcomings. Holmes gets overrated technically but the sum of his parts was effective.

 

Ali certainly isn't, he sucked technique wise. The man didn't even know how to throw a proper uppercut.

 

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No, for punching technique and skill fighters like Louis and Tyson come to mind, I would say Patterson too but he let it get away with him sometimes, not sloppy but not as well tuned as Tyson

For overall technical well roundedness it's hard not to pick Holyfield

For my unpopular opinion, I think Bowe had a better jab and 1-2 than Holmes and was certainly more technical on the inside, he was also a much more devastating finisher

Ali having the most technical footwork and ring movement isn't out of the question

 

Nope. Louis, Patterson, Liston, Tyson, Holyfield & Lewis are all better technically.

 

It's allowed to say why, give examples and back up your opinion.

 

Holyfield sprang to mind firstly, when thinking of who is technically better. You only have to watch the great 4 part doc on Ali, to see that he wasn't 'gifted', though he did have an abundance of natural charisma and flair.

 

Ali is not even close to being the best technical fighter, that's like saying RJJ is one of the best technical fighters.

What made both unique is the fact they were both amazing athletes with a unique style that worked for them. It's not like any trainer is going to teach someone to fight like Ali or RJJ because they are as far from technical as you could get, and if anyone attempted to fight like them they would get KO'ed.

 

What I am supposed to see here ?!?
Ali's hybrid between a hook and an uppercut ?!?

 

Not. Not even close. Ali's handspeed may give the impression that she is technically gifted, but she is not. It is physical talent (handspeed). Of the two, Larry Holmes is the more technically gifted, but both are far from the "most technically gifted Heavyweights ever".

What @White Bomber stated is IMO, in principle, correct. He exaggerated the statement, but I didn't notice that Muhammad Ali did this in his career:

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or this:

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Ali never really learned how to box...he was fast...but he was flawed. It's like a fastball pitcher who gets older and can't throw as hard...so he has to learn how to "pitch". Ali would pull back at the last second to avoid a punch...that was his defense...(1963-1967). The 70's Ali became a punching bag because he couldn't adapt...couldn't defend himself...and look how he ended up. The "Boxing Over Broadway" site has an article on Ali's shortcomings on technique...and says that Rocky Marciano had better technical skills than Ali did.

 

What i was chasing was confirmation you don't see much of anything.

Attained.