Better Defense: Toney or Mayweather?

Indeed. Floyd's adeptness at creating space with his mobility puts him a notch above Toney, imo.

Who do you fancy possesses the better 'in-pocket' defense?

 

Toney had great head movement, but Mayweather had more speed and altogether better defense. Floyd is a better fighter than Toney ever was. He has more complete defensive tools. It is hard for me to say this because I love James and do not like Floyd's lack of fighting spirit, but Floyd deserves credit. He is good and potential to be great.

 

I agree and good post but I don't think I consider "DEFENSIVE SKILL" unatural reflexes and footspeed. It most definitely helps, just like those kinds of gifts have assisted a lot of great athletic fighters who got away with A LOT of things in boxing that most can't. Guys like Roy, Ali and PAC....they have a lot of technical liablilites in their game that no one could capitolize on during their prime years b/c they were operating with that much more talent than the rest of their peers. James is the best defensive fighter in the last 20 yrs...right along side Sweet Pea.

 

Not even a debate! James.:deal

 

He didn't appear that hurt to me but I do recall him saying something like that. I'll rewatch the Sosa fight to analyse that more but I do remember that Sosa had a very awkward style and was getting hit a lot from Toney.

 

Mayweather is better at not getting hit than Toney. So in terms of who's defense is better I will go with Mayweather. However when I rank defensive boxers I consider the offense that comes from their defense as well as how hard they are to hit. Toney in my opion has an edge over Mayweather here.

 

Shoulder Roll.