Duran is LIKELY the best fighter skill wise, ever.

I would not name one fighter as being the most skilled ever, because there are so many different boxing styles, all of which have their own set of nuances.

For example how would you address the question of whether Roberto Duran or Pernell Whitaker was more skilled?

 

Duran was more versatile, dropped Vilomar with body shots late, had vastly superior punching leverage, could rip guys like Bronx Davey Moore on the inside, and compete on even or superior terms with much bigger opponents. Also, he made SRL miss more in Montreal than Randy Shields and Benitez combined. He also advised SRL, "You box Hagler, you beat him, after Duran had done exactly that to MMH at Marv's peak." Hagler beat Duran with strength and size, not superior boxing skill. And Duran did this to the first southpaw who was generally considered the world's best P4P at his very best. It strongly suggests what Duran might have done to southpaw Whitaker. (I don't like Pea's odds at 135 against southpaw devourer Arguello either over the Championship Distance, not with Pernell at 5'6" and Alex at 5'10").

Iran Barkley has said Duran had the best jab, best chin, was the strongest, smartest and best boxing skills. He rated Hearns for hand speed and power (over Benn). This is impressive praise.

 

Duran is up there