Greatest heavyweight defense ever?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by randeris, Nov 11, 2009.


  1. ed7890

    ed7890 Col. Hunter Gathers Full Member

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    Ah, i get ya :good
     
  2. ramalinga

    ramalinga Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Ali: best reflexes and most elusive footwork

    Jack Johnson: excellent all - around defense

    Byrd: remarkable, beating a KO monster like Tua was amazing, but the losses to Wlad hurt his defense - legacy

    Vitali Klitschko: stiff - looking but effective and consistent. Very hard to hit clean, was never outlanded in a fight, not even when he lost. Sure, many would laugh at mentioning him in a list that mentions Ali, but I don't see Vitali being knocked down by Henry Cooper or Frazier.
     
  3. TommyV

    TommyV Loyal Member banned

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    Vitali wouldn't of taken that left hook from Frazier. No way. I'm surprised Ali even got up from that.
     
  4. Semlin

    Semlin Member Full Member

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    I just can't make up my mind between the first and the second Ali :nut
     
  5. Boxing Fanatic

    Boxing Fanatic Loyal Member banned

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    Where the fug is Rocky Marciano?
     
  6. icemax

    icemax Indian Red Full Member

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    :thumbsup
     
  7. lolb

    lolb Active Member Full Member

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    :thumbsup
     
  8. ripcity

    ripcity Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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  9. Saltzy

    Saltzy Bam-O Full Member

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    Where the **** is Archie Moore?

    Just going with the poll however, Walcott. Amazing movement.
     
  10. ramalinga

    ramalinga Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Frazier would have never landed that hook on Vitali, no fighter under 6'4 ever landed good flush power shots on him. Besides, Lennox hit harder than Frazier and didn't put Vitali down...cuts don't come from power or a bad chin.
     
  11. Jack

    Jack Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think Joe Frazier has a shot here.

    "Best defense" isn't just about that one skill, it's about you combine it with your offense. It's not just about avoiding the most punches, but also getting your shots in. So, for that reason, I think Frazier is a good shot. He was hard to hit flush in his prime. Even Ali, with his incredibly fast hands in 1971, struggled to land flush. The 5th round where Frazier mocks Ali, is something not one other boxer in history could do.

    So I'd say Frazier. I think his defense gets underrated because of how good his offense was and people ignore his defensive skills, much like Henry Armstrong or Roberto Duran, plus all but one of his defining fights were post-prime when injuries hindered his bob and weave defense. At his best though and without back injuries, his defense was outstanding.
     
  12. Jack

    Jack Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Vitali never fought anyone as good as Frazier. Simple as that.
     
  13. ramalinga

    ramalinga Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Really? I am a big fan of Frazier, how could anyone not like him. But Lennox Lewis would easily dominate him and in the era of supersized HW's, Frazier would not be as great as he was.

    Vitali never fought anyone as short as Frazier and is very efficient at using his height.
     
  14. Grant1

    Grant1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    There's two Ali's !!
     
  15. Ivo

    Ivo Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Vitali KlitschKO. He is very good at not getting hit. He is the absolute master of defense.