Fighters that started as brawlers but later on became defensive boxers

Plenty of guys that tidied up their technique as they went on. Can't think of any complete role reversals like you're asking mind you.

 

Barrera.

Not so much a defensive specialist, but a solid technician.

 

I guess Fenech used a lot more movement before swarming or had to change up mid-fight and box as his hands fell to bits but always technically adept.

 

Do you think the same could be said for Zab? I'm a bit stuck on the fence:huh

 

Marco Antonio Barrera and Hopkins are probably the closest thing to what you're asking for other than them i cant think of anyone who changed his style so dramatically. Winky Wright also changed his style from his younger days to a more defensive fighter but he was never a brawler so he doesnt fit the mold you're looking for.

 

Barrera and Hopkins were not really brawlers, they were always technically good pressure fighters, but they did change to defensive counter punchers later on so I'd agree they are good calls in that sense

 

Duran to an extent.

 

The super early Roberto Duran was in your face, didn't have great defense, and launched his punches too enthusiastically without a base.

He eventually became an absolute master, but one can absolutely perceive this journey. The DeJesus trilogy is a really good example.

 

Believe it or not, I read somewhere that Jimmy young started out swinging away, but changed that after the first shavers fight, don't know exactly how true that is, also, the opposite of that might be Matthew Franklin started out as a boxer, ended up as a puncher

 

Duran looked like **** against Thompson compared to Buchanan imo.you could see he was just in the early stages of mastering a new approach and the impressive segments came when he did his previously used unpredictable bullrushing and punching from all angles.

That jab and lateral movement was unconvincing and strained looking.

 

First I thought of. Really had basics though he was more raw as a teen and pre becoming the technician he's renowned for today.

I don't think Duran deserves a mention here. Still, like Barrera, he was more raw and became a solid fluid puncher afterwards. I believe Sanchez was like this too though I don't think film exists to show him pre-great technician days.

Heard the same with Jimmy. But also, Franklin could box as he showed with Conteh and in many instances with the first fight with Lopez.

 

Saad was outboxed thoroughly against Conteh. First fight with Lopez is a brilliant example though :good

Think it was after the Gregory fight Saad purportedly upped his output and tried to finish fights more. So I've read anyway.

 

Victor Galindez was a pure brawler early...then due to eye cut problems became more of a counter puncher type fighter.

 

There is a footage of early Sanchez.

Yes, he was a come forward pressure fighter early in his career.