Let's talk styles. Easy to forget the technicalities midst the sea of dates, names, and defenses. What was your favorite version (based on aesthetics, usage in a significant fight, or another criteria of your choice) of the guard through the history of boxing? Archie Moore with his complete system of angled and squared stances, superb head movement, read hand checks, and the crossguard to boot? Foreman's more static, juggernaut like crossguard nullifying the initiative and controlling the engagements of younger, faster fighters? Norton's focus on bobbing and weaving, combined with his penchant for exploiting the intricacies of the guard to give technical fighters fits? Fullmer's with his reversed version and all the paw-like jabs and looping overhands. Some old school fighter using it during the height of its popularity like Baer, Uzcudun, or Saddler? Perhaps more modern fighters adding it to their arsenal to make their defensive systems more unpredictable? Holyfield, Nelson, Chisora.
Evander holyfield when he used it during violent exchanges. Ike ibeabuchi as well. it wasnt a complete cross guard more of a parry move specifically against an opponents right hand. Miguel cotto did this as well
I like watching Old George, but the Mongoose takes it for me. Watching Archie Moore is like watching an encyclopedia of boxing. He had it all and did it all (apart from winning the heavyweight title): power, mad combination punching skills, timing, guile, defense, off-the-charts ring IQ, savvy footwork to create angles or cut off the ring, stamina, willpower, heart … you name it. Such a joy to watch.
Moore is such a clear winner here you could possibly, alternatively ask “Who, besides Archie Moore,..?”
I was a student crossing guard when I was in first grade. I can’t remember if it was every day or if we rotated. But I got to stand out front before class with his very nice police lady and walk out with the ‘stop’ sign to halt cars in the little drive-through in front of the school. Retroactively, I have decided that my crossing guard service was a tribute to Archie Moore. I like to think that the Ol’ Mongoose would have been proud if he had known.
I don't enjoy watching fighters per se who use the cross-guard defense, but I enjoy watching Archie Moore for all the other qualities mentioned in this thread.
So did Chad Dawson............ Original question: Other than the obvious Archie, I'd say George, it was actually a pretty educated cross guard when you really sit back and watch it.