Floyd Mayweather. I mean, I did watch his fights, but especially toward the end there, they were boring. Him blocking, slipping, or dodging everything, occasionally popping up for a counter.
Vitali Klitschko, I thought he really had the science of boxing from the outside to an art. Also he had that upright European style that a lot of American trainers criticize but I think it worked great for him.
I’d rather be strapped to a chair and have my fingernails and eyelids ripped off with a pair of pliers than to watch a Jack Johnson fight; but his actual resume and hard-fought road to the title are outstanding.
Some casuals said that Maske was boring but there was more science in each single calorie he expended than in BHop's entire career.
I think most would call Sven Ottke a boring fighter but I always appreciated his skillset. He was great at getting and getting out dictating range and pace. He was a masterful amateur and a guy that had a lot of success as a pro despite not having any power. Lots of close decisions tarnish his rep but make no mistake, he could fight.
I have a few boxers I remember watching, than asking myself why did I watch them after the fight was finished. The three were exceptionally skilled, but for whatever the reason, couldn't crack an egg with their best power punches. Maybe because they were vegetarians ( One actually was). They were Howard Davis Jr.( The vegetarian) Saoul Mamby, and Emmanuel Augustus Each were well above average in the skills department, one (Davis) was well above average with speed and quickness. None had the firepower to keep opponents honest. Prime example was Davis vs Rasario. A very exciting fight. A fight Davis would've won by ko if he had just average power on his punches, because at times during that fight he landed at will , and right on the button on Rasario ( Who we know didn't have a great chin) Yet Rasario did just enough to win a split decision because of his ability to knock Davis down a few times. Augustus was watchable because of his antics and unique style. Mamby , was like watching paint dry. But still, it's easy to see his extremely high ring IQ, and skill level.
I won’t say favorite boxer, but moving along the lines that their lacking in entertainment value was not indicative of their value in skill - (often, it’s quite the opposite) - I would offer up Jimmy Young. Monzon was another a guy whose entertainment value wasn't necessarily a good correlate for his elite skills. For better appreciation of such fighters, it's best to view them in holistic terms. They are highly effective overall but are less likely to compile compelling, moment by moment, highlight reels.
B-Hop. He's definitely an acquired taste, but I love rewatching many of his old fights. Partly because he fought from when I was a young teenager into my mid thirties, so I can remember where I was when I saw him fight all those times
Nikolai Valuev never excited me much. In fact he bored me senseless. When I first heard of this 7ft 320lb giant destroying everyone in his path, I tuned in hoping to see The Hulk reborn. Unfortunately Nik didn’t match up to Dr Bruce Banner’s alter ego’s brutally exciting monster, and I was very disappointed with his performances. But credit where it’s due, the big fella’s winning record and his KO percentage was admirable, but it’s the least I’d have expected from a man of his vast size. However, losing to a relatively little squirt like David Haye was unforgivable haha!