Which boxer was great at landing the overhand right? Which fighter was best at defending against getting caught by an overhand right? This content is protected
Best overhand right imo would be Marciano. Dunno who had the best defense against it. The overhand right is more tricky to defend against than what casual fans think is a wild haymaker.
Yes, I saw a study showing how Maciano would dip to the right off center so opponents would have to strecth and overcommitt when trying to land the jab, which brought their closer making them easy to hit with the counter overhand right.
Marciano has the best overhand right imo. He was extremely dynamic with how he could throw one, and it had tremendous power. I would make Louis a close 2nd.
In modern times, Tim Witherspoon consistently flattened big men with a single overhand right, For effect, if not technique, Earnie Shavers seems an obvious shout.
James Toney had a good defence against it with his high shoulder and tucked in chin(s). Not saying his defence was watertight but Joe Frazier would have been hard to land an overhand right against in his prime. Largely because you'd have been hit by a left hook before your own overhand got to the target. Also, Joe kept his head down and his momentum was forward. Many of the best overhand rights I've seen landed on more upright figures, often backing off and often hanging their chins out (Shavers-Holmes, Witherspoon-Eklund, Cummings-Bruno, Curry-McCrory, Lewis-Ruddock). That seems a bit heavyweight-centric. Is that because the punch is more suited to bigger men as it is less reliant on speed than a straighter right or because its less refined technique makes it easier for smaller, more agile fighters to avoid? Or is it a bit of both? Or neither? Any thoughts, anyone?
Two non-HW examples are Mayorga and Tszyu... Both scored KO's over good opposition. Mayorga a bit more wild, but still effective. Tszyu could sling it from the side, overhand, and straight as a laser.
Not sure I would put Marciano in my top 10 of overhand rights. I have McClellan, Hearns, Lewis, M. Baer, Tyson, Julian Jackson, SR Robinson, Monzon, Timmy Witherspoon, Jones, Jr., Froch, Bob Foster, Ali, Benn, Duran to consider...
Michael Spinks overhand right was so devastating (at 175) it was actually nicknamed. He almost decapitated people with it. Immensely powerful and he wasn't afraid to throw it. Beautiful leverage.
Ruben Olivares - although known for his left hook - threw an excellent overhand right. I also loved Dave 'Boy' Green's 'muckspreader'. But for my money - hands down - the best overhand right was thrown by Ken Norton.
