I think Ring Generalship is the hardest aspect of a fighter's style to define, but it also may very well be the most significant. So, I want to know who all of you consider the greatest master of ring generalship, and why. I considered a few before I chose Bernard Hopkins. At his best (and even still to this day), every fight he has is a Bernard Hopkins' fight, the way he controls his opponents and the fight is astonishing. I don't want any anti-Hopkins posts, or anti-whatever fighter, because I know there are a lot of poster who would like to do so. If you don't feel that Hopkins is the best, post who you do think deserves such recognition and why.
I dont think you'll get many anti-Hopkins posts! Even though he is a modern-day boxer, he gets much deserved credit here. For me he is one of the finest examples. An honourable mention for me would be Ken Buchanan, was really good in the department in subject here. Also, he was great at picking shots, it was like his hands were magnetised to openings.
Bernard Hopkins; uses what he's got to make you do what he wants. Ricardo Lopez, and by the same principle as Hopkins. Both these guys used their feet superbly. To keep you guessing and getting you set to fire, then miss. They showed you exactly what 'footwork' is all about and how greatly it can be used to keep a fighter on your leash.
"Whatever da other guy want to do just dont let him do it" Sam Langford "I work out what you want to do then I reach out and I stop it" Joe Gans The fighter who most impreses me as always putting his oponent in the fight they dont want is Fritzie Zivic. Whatever the oponents style he just seems to make them totaly frustrated.
Monzon is a good call. The way he used his reach and timing was outstanding, he fought the fight the way he wanted to fight it everytime.
Looks like my mind works like most of yours, the other fighters I considered before chosing Hopkins were Monzon, Lopez, Moore, and also some consideration for Ezzard Charles and Ray Leonard. Ken Buchanan is an excellent addition as well. I picked Hopkins because every time I watch a fight with someone I know that hasn't really watched much boxing, it seems they always ask what ring generalship is whenever one of the commentators explains how rounds are judged, and if they can't fully understand what I say to define it, I just show them some clips of Hopkins and they seem to understand more. He very well may be the smartest fighter I've ever seen inside the ring.
