Do you believe that the swarmer/boxer/puncher triad would stand up to statistical scrutiny?

That, and the styles the fighters used would have to be accurately assessed. It's been my experience that they often aren't. Boxer-Punchers can throw a wrench into the mathematical gears, also, so those should probably be left out or factored in separately. If properly done, and as Janitor said, I would say yes to both questions.

 

Most are a mix anyway

 

1) Probably. If you put together some basic, clear definitions, you could code most top fighters according to their typical fighting styles and validate your coding by surveying a bunch of serious fans. Would be subjective and imprecise though, and you’d probably have to exclude several fighters who fans think belong in multiple different categories.

2) No. There are way too many other relevant variables. Footspeed, handspeed, stamina, durability, reflexes, punching power, ring iq, poise, officiating, overall ability, experience, whether either or both fighters are in peak condition the night of the fight, etc.

 

Ouch

 

I really doubt it.

 

If I may, I would like to submit a another style/category that extracts and lifts itself out of and above the simultaneous, zero sum, looping triad:-

“Pretty dancers that can’t never be beat”

For some strange reason I can’t quite recall who said this - but I’m pretty sure they weren’t an arm-chair-er.