Who were the real pioneers of boxing technique?

Actually, I'd see Corbett as using rounder punches than fighters did a generation ago. He was, as you say, part of a wider movement at the time and one of the most prominent figures to use round blows, but Sullivan had already done so in the 1880's (along with Donovan) and was famous for it. Most fighters' punches during the 1870's and 1880's were straight as an arrow.

 

Duran... invented murderous intent? >.>

 

I think Dempsey invented murderous intent lol.

As for a REAL pioneer, Daniel Mendoza and John Jackson. These guys started it all.

 

No one.

Boxing skill has been around since day one. I'm talking about quality skill. Look at Corbett v Fitz and you'll see Corbett jabbing to the body and Fitz finishing him with his solar plexus punch - quality moves. However their technique left much to be desired.

Man continuosly trys to find the most efficient and effective way to do something. Boxing entered its formative years as soon as gloves were put on.

The first real sign I saw of boxing entering its best was Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney. Right there you had the epitomy of offensive and defensive footwork. Jack could cut that ring off something special and Gene could twist and turn something special. Both had technically correct footwork, which was educated. From then on footwork I believe was pretty much done and dusted.

Guards have changed based on many things i.e. number of rounds, size of gloves and thoughts of how to best approach defence. You look at Dempsey-Tunney and you'll see Jack use half/cross guard and Tunney use no guard. The real change was hands up and hands down but even then in an era where guys mainly had their hands down you'll find some with their hands up. Vica versa in an era where guys mainly have their hands up you'll find some with their hands down.

No one boxer has been a pioneer. Even now boxers are all different in their style, approach and even technique.

 

Actually, Mendoza may be correct. He created an entire system that was followed later on, and is credited as such...unfortunately, little of it has made its way to the modern boxing armory.

 

Here are some fighters who were very important:


Daniel Mendoza
John L. Sullivan
James J. Corbett
Gene Tunney
Ezzard Charles
Muhammad Ali

 

This has certainly been my understanding, and I would add it tends to be supported by much of the original source material in the excellent book on Corbett I have been reading by Adam Pollack. I think it is historically accurate to say that Corbett was an innovator of many of these advances among heavyweights, at least based on the historical record that is available to us. Certainly, his contempories considered him to be a major innovator in these areas.