Marciano for the pick,his defense was better than what people made him out to be,but it doesn't hinder the fact it's not that good and reliable.
Older timers like Fitz, Jeffries, McGovern, & Battling Nelson would likely qualify. In the more modern era, maybe Foreman, Baer, Stribling, & Khaosai galaxy?
Greats like Manny Pac and even Ray Leonard were there to be hit. But that was a big part of SRL game was to engage and get off more and hit more than getting hit. He's talked about that because he knew he was the tougher, faster hands fighter. So I wouldnt call it bad defense more of clever offense. Manny Pac had blazing hands speed as well. I guess throw in Mosley as well as not the " best D " so to speak but could take a big shot no problem , same as SRL
Hate to break the news to folks, but in boxing you are going to be hit, and the more risks you take to win the more you are going to get hit. Are you ready to get hit? Can you walk through the fire? That is the real question. There are techniques, there is defensive responsibility, but it only marginally ameliorates or delays engagement. Engagement wins. Engagement means getting hit.
This is it mate. When blessed with footspeed such as Ali, RJJ, PBF, it is relatively easier to stay at distance, using speed and angles to avoid getting hit and look mercurial. However, real elite defence is seen in what Duran, JCC, Armstrong, for a relatively short period, Tyson do in negotiating their way into mid-range - inside avoiding fire whilst unleashing their own whirlwind. Make no bones about it though, if you're going to risk greatness you're going to get caught and the greater your opponent, the more likely that you're going to have to show exactly what kinda steel you were forged from.
