Greatest Defensive Fighter Ever?

i agree completly about that and i hold many of the guys you mention in high regard in terms of defence

 

Hopkins never got hit clean very often..

 

I always really liked Marlon Starlings defense-not as flashy as others but very effective.

 

james toney hands down

 

Nicolino Locche. I don;t think I ever saw a claen shot land on dude's head.

In his second fight with Antonio Cervantes, at the end of round 9, Cervantes threw a jab that grazed Locche's head. That was the only time I ever saw any punch touch Locche's head, he was a true defensive wizard.

 

Ray Arcel once described Locche as "defensively more talented than Willie Pep"! Check out rd 15 of the Cervantes fight, Locche puts his glove under his chin and just stands still, taunting his opponent to hit him. Cervantes tries numerous times to land a jab, and keeps missing, despite Locche hardly moving his feet at all. It was like a matador baiting a bull.

 

Probably the best blocking\parrying defensive skills i've seen.

 

It is a disgrace that it has taken 37 posts before the generally recognized defensive fighter has been mentioned; Charley Burley; so good even Robinson decided to avoid him!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPkh4t1XU30









Worth posting sweet_scientist's zapata highlight again.

 

He wasn't the prettiest of fighters to watch, but he was definitely very effective. He very rarely got hit cleanly.

If Starling had a bit more focus in the ring, he would have accomplished even more as a fighter.

 

After watching Locche against Cervantes, I would say that Nico was the best. Didn't saw many Pep's fights though

 

Benny Leonard, Willie Pep, Pernell Whitaker, Jack Johnson, and James Toney should be considered at the very top all time as defensive fighters.

I've never seen him fight, but by virtue of reputation, seniors and trainers I've spoken to mention Benny Leonard as one of the best defensive fighters of all time, arguably right beside Willie Pep.

Honourable mentions, Ali, Wilfred Benitez, Chris Byrd.

 

Locche was freaky good. Whitaker could be really slick, but not as slick as Pep. Duran was very difficult to hit cleanly, with one huge exception. Well, two, actually. Of course, Pep was blasted by Saddler. Locche was rarely touched.

 

Willie Pep is a good choice, Id also pick him as the best all round boxer ever.

 

benitez, locche, mayweather, duran, ali