Lomachenko is the better defensive fighter, Sahool O' Nelo is a bit susceptible to getting his face plastered with a good jab despite possessing the better head movement out of the two.
Tricky because they have very different approaches to defence. Canelo has better head and upper body movement and would be more elusive when trapped on the ropes but then Loma is less likely to be trapped on the ropes having to evade because his movement is so good and rarely finds himself pinned down and out of position. I don't think there's a definitive answer, both are good defensively but it different ways. It like asking who better defensively Hopkins with his movement, clinching and shoulder roll or RJJ with his outrageous reflexes, upper body movement and judgement of distance. Both hard to hit cleanly but in different ways.
I think it is arguable as to whom posseses the better defence. As the earlier replies state; they both have defensive skills in different ways. Personally, I went for Carrot Top Canelo over the two time professional loser, Va-SILLY Lose-a-checko (son of Salido and great grandson of the then 22 year old Teo Lopez). Although, it could go either way. I like the way Carrot Top has that kinda body shape where it's so difficult to find an opening on him. It's almost like there is nothing to hit except his gloves or arms. He employs a high tight guard really well. When opponents try to go at him with punches, he is there but still they can't land much at all. He also has that kinda body type where it's like impossible to clinch him. I don't know how to describe it, it's a similar thing with Andy Ruiz and Brian Castaño. These guys are un-clinchable. Anthony Joshua and Jermell Charlo couldn't do it at all.
It isn't that he's unclinchable, he just hasn't fought clinchers and to be fair that's not his fault, but if he would fight Ward there's no reason why he wouldn't get the ginger clinched outta him.
It's not body type I think it's how they all hold their guard tight to their body. You don't have a loose arm to easily grab hold off and then be able to get tight up close. Holding the guard so close means you can really only clinch around the shoulders which isn't ideal as your opponent will his hands between you and them and they can then more easily push you off. Plus they don't square up as much they always have that rear foot in a position so you can't easily push them back and so their shoulders are angled to make them harder to wrap your arms around. I'd also add Joshua isn't really any good at clinching, it's never really been a part of his style even if he had an opponent who was easier to clinch I don't think he has the know how to be effective as he prefers to break out of clinches and work inside rather than smother people when up close.
True clinching is a real skill that many people don't understand too well as so few boxers know how to use it. Most people probably think clinching is a defensive thing but as Ward showed throughout his career it can be used offensively too, you manipulate your opponent into unfavourable positions then hit them.
If this title is called 'defense', the answer is probably tied. Canelo has strong physical that it is very difficult to hurt him or make him feel the punch. But since this thread is about 'defensive skill', Loma obviously.
Canelo has probably taken more punches in 5 fights than Loma has in his entire career.. plus tiny Loma faces weight Grifters who have many physical advantages over him unlike Canelo who's probably walking around at close to 190.. despite his height he's stacked..
You could put ANYONE in front of Lomachenko and he will look like he is from another planet. On the other hand, Canelo has been countered numerous times, wobbled, hurt, pushed back and looked vulnerable against multiple fighters. He went toe to toe against TINY Cotto who he couldnt even dominated and he was beaten to the punch by crystal meth chin Amir Khan for 6 rounds for goodness sake Skill wise they're not even on the same page. Lomachenko = a Posche 911 Turbo S Canelo = Ford Mustang
Lomachenko is miles ahead. He has several different ways of neutralizing an opponent, be it body movement, footwork, creating space or controlling the opponent with his own body. Canelo has his body and head movement and that's it. Loma also integrates his offence and defence together better. That's not to say Canelo is bad, he's not, he is excellent, but Loma is next level.
