Greatest defensive boxer ever?

Locche and Whitaker.

 

Don't forget prime Roy Jones ..

 

His lack of offence created the legacy we admire him for. If he had venom would he have been Nico as we knew him?

 

Has Jimmy Young rated a mention as yet? He should, I believe. Apologies if I've oversighted any reference to him.

Defensive savants are to be admired, but the key word is savant. If a fighter has excellent offense (naturally inviting more risk) and still maintains excellent defense, in optimum balance, then that is super impressive. In that regard, prime Ali is very high on my list as one of the greatest defensive fighters.

 

He's up there for sure especially given what an offensive machine he was of which Pug has already commented on balance wise.

 

I think Lionel Rose needs acknowledgment as a defensive fighter. He offered stiffer return fire then someone like Benitez- He actually accomplished a lot instead of just playing tag. Against Harada of all the fighters too…

 

Hilario Zapata, Miguel Lora, Marlon Starling, and Sumbu Kalambay still getting highly underrated when it comes to great defensive fighters.

 

Sumbu is one hell of a fighter. Wish he'd collected more names on the resume. Zapata is someone no one should forget- Not a fan of southpaws though.

 

Willie Pep was the greatest - Loche- Sweat Pea- and Floyd as far as defensive ability rank in the top 10

 

My first thought! I feel the fact he went 12 with De La Hoya, Chavez and especially Trinidad speaks to his wizardry. He was the first fighter I saw who I felt made defence a beautiful thing.

 

Is it defensive skill or super human reflexes ? Similar two young Ali ...

 

Well it's certainly being hard to hit one way or another. But Jones was certainly a reflex fighter as was Ali.

 

Charley Burley
El Radar
Pep

 

He was good at not getting hit- just not great at hitting aha.

 

Davey broke his hand in the 1st match with Angott, split decision. 2nd fight 12 rounds won. 3rd fight Title was a set up when the Ky Boxing commission dumped the (regular) judges and referee team. Sammy's manager Charley Jones got Jack Dempsey to be the sole ref. and judge, paying all his expenses, plus making his regular fee $3000.00 - $5000 and giving Angott the Lt.weight Title by 'ONE POINT' and Day was the favorite. Dempsey was a big gambler and Day got robbed. Google, 'Davey Day 1st assistant lightweight Champion on Ebay.' Love to hear your comment. Have a good day.