how would you rate his defense compared to other defensive moves like the shoulder rolling style toney n mayweather use. its very simple to use, and looks very effective. im actually starting to like it. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PA2JYXuiQsQ
His defense has been pretty good his whole career but it's hard to gage how good it is because he's changed styles. In his earlier career, DelaHoya parried shots and blocked with his gloves. When Mayweather came into his camp, he started using the L defense with the right hand up and left hand bent across the belly. From this defensive stance the shoulder is used more to block shots.
it worked hes not ended up completely beatne up and still has his good looks its not the best compared to pep or sweet pea but ti worked
Only for the first two fights under Mayweather snr. Those fights were against Gatti and Castillejo. During those fights De La Hoya used the shoulder roll like Mayweather jr, and also the right hand up next to his chin and the left across the chest as you described. He briefly used a similar type of defense against Vargas during the early rounds. I don't think he felt comfortable with these type of techniques under Mayweather snr. Againat Campas, Mosley II, Hopkins, etc, he was back to his old self. I thought he was to rigid and tight technically against Mosley in their rematch. He wasn't exactly smooth and refined. His defense was based upon lateral movement and a high guard.
His best defensive performance was against Hernandez. Especially when it comes to varying his defensive moves. Bending the knees, crouching for long periods, bobbing and weaving, feinting, waist and head movement, blocking, judgement of distance, etc. All done within range more or less. His first fight under Mayweather snr against Gatti he implemented the same type of moves, although the shoulder roll was introduced. He parried a few Gatti's shots with his right glove, slipped punches from underneath, and countered well. Very fluid and loose in both those fights. Also against Ruelas and Chavez throughout their first fight. His defense against Trinidad was movement with his legs and blocking with a high guard. Very upright 'straight up and down' yet effective if less complex when compared to Hernandez and Gatti.
It was fairly conventional..at least it was in his earlier days..certainly effective, I think his physical advantages always helped him in this department though.
