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Defensive Greats
I've been thinking about the lost art of defense, and how few of today's fans appreciate the skill necessary to make an elite fighter miss the VAST majority of his/her shots. There seems to be a lack of understanding as well, with many fans not understanding/identifying/appreciating the nuances that go into a great defense. My pick for greatest defensive fighters in recent history (not going back to Willie Pep era for this one), and the reasons I pick them is as follows:
5. Roy Jones Jr.: Many will feel that Roy should be #1 on this list, and will point to statistics during his prime that show how miniscule of a percentage of punches his opponents were able to land on him. Roy had other worldly speed and reflexes in his prime, but did not have the learned skill (parry, catch, block) of those ranked higher on my list. Roy was so much faster than his opponents and his reflexes so much better that he would slip a punch with a slight movement of his head and counter with impressive/intimidating power. Roy was also very effective at feinting opponents into throwing bad punches/out of position and using his foot speed to negate an opponents offense.
4. James Toney: During his prime James Toney had great all around skill, and a multi-layered defense. Not as fast/gifted as Roy was during his prime, but better at the nuances of a great defensive fighter, able to use footwork, slip, shoulder roll, parry, block and duck punches. James was also very good at switching from defense to offense in a seamless manner.
3. Bernard Hopkins: As skilled as Toney was at the nuances of defensive fighting, but blessed with faster feet and more mobility. Bernard's offense has suffered as he has aged, but his defense has improved at an exponential rate, allowing him to remain a viable threat to champions 20 years younger. There isn't one aspect of defense that Hop doesn't do well, and he is edged out by the next two due to their advantages in natural speed/talent/gifts.
2. Floyd Mayweather: As fast of foot/hand and reflexes as Roy, and as good at the nuances/skill portion as Toney/Hop. Floyd possesses all of the attributes necessary to qualify as the greatest defensive fighter and best fighter of his generation. Able to fight inside using his shoulders, elbows, gloves and head movement to slip shots and set up counters. Able to use his feet to create angles and distance when necessary. Amazing anticipation, reflexes, and a boxing IQ that allows him to dictate where and what pace the fight takes place.
1. Pernell Whitaker: I give Sweet Pea the nod over Floyd as I feel they are equally skilled and gifted/talented, but Pea was more creative in/with his defense. Early in his career Pernell was instructed by Georgie Benton to box like he had bad breath. As Pea progressed however, he developed the ability to stand directly in front of elite opponents and make them miss, thanks in large part to his development/perfection of his deep knee bend.
There are numerous other fighters who deserve to be on this list, such as Herol Graham, Rigo, Camacho, and Wlad (to protect that chin!), to name a few. I'm interested to read the responses and see what I got wrong and what I missed!
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