Underrated Defense

Always said it; Carmen Basilio.

 

It seems that guys known more for their offence (which can be deemed as D also to some degree) are often overlooked as to the quality of their defence.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too - looking to throw significant punches has to involve some momentary compromise - but otherwise and as best as possible, punchers like Duran etc. had great defence in balance with their offence.

Also, one of the real proofs in the pudding is when theses guys move up a division or two with their power no longer as relatively pronounced or effective. They shift the ratio of their offensive/defensive accents and that’s when you will see their true defensive skills on isolated display and held in the best light.

 

Chavez too. He's so known for his offensive arsenal and toughness but he was very well-schooled in all aspects. And showing good defense while attacking all the time isn't easy.

 

I always mention Spinks and Starling with regards to my own era. When he moved up for the first Holmes fight you can see how defensively adept he was when he needed to be.

 

Vitaly Klitschko, Sam Soliman, Felix Trinidad, Johnny Nelson, Hector Camacho, Juan Carlos Gomez.

 

Completely agree with Liston. He was quite adept at various methods of defense.

 

Tim Witherspoon and Ken Norton

 

Mike Mccallum

 

Yes his fight with Rosario was a display of defense very uncommon. His glove work, blocking, partying as well as subtle rolling.

 

I think Lennox Lewis's defense gets overlooked. It was hard to get a consistent offense against him.

 

Witherspoon got hit a lot by Bruno.

 

Jeffries

 

That was the first name that came to mind. I remember when Manny worked with a long in the tooth version of Julio and on Day One he was shocked at what a good boxer he was.

 

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