Yeh, it tends to go out the window. Taking away the jab though is the number 1 skill for a pressure fighter and closing the range is number 2, and these can often look awkward and 'unskilled', but tust me they are very hard to do.
So, does anyone think that slugging is a style that one is forced into due to lack of other options, or something that fighters choose at the expense of other flashier styles?
Whenya find a beast in the gym, like Rocky Graziano, who could knock down walls from day one, ya just get the hell outta the way 'n let'm keep firing. He had no patience ta learn anything -- just wanted ta party with Pep.
When looking at the wikipedia definition the only difference between a boxer puncher and boxer is punching power. In that case Muhammad Ali would also be a boxer puncher as he had power when hesat down on his punches. Also Leonard was never a pure boxer. Only 2 fights of him have really been "boxing" fights, Hagler and Duran 2.
I think its not a styles that is forced or a style that is chosen. Its not as clear cut as that. I think you sort of just come into it, to maximise the skills you have.