Who were the first skilled, athletic big heavyweights?

Surely it depends who they are matched with.

You put almost big man in with the right opponent and he can "exhibit coordination and skills, throw punches without losing balance, control distance with jab" or whatever the premise was.

You put him in with someone a lot better and he might appear to be a clumsy oaf.

I mean, come on, most of us, just with our ample years of watching boxing, can appear jab and move and stay balanced for a round at least, if you put us in with some mug who has no clue whatsoever, nevermind those of us who might have actually had some boxing lessons/experience.

(Although obviously the more whisky-happy among us have trouble keeping balance even while sitting down.)

 

Id imagine there are a fair few before Wills, but he's the only man I'd say with a lot of certainty.

 

Here is some footage of a past prime George Godfrey, against a young Primo Carnera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzeY4udtFQg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_4dku3Sd0A