Quote Originally Posted by mikeeod View Post
Do you mean natural gifts, natural ability to make people miss, or actual skill?!? All three are different and I would rank guys different in each. Here are a few of my choices:

Naturally gifted: Roy Jones is the poster boy for this category. In his prime he was unbelievably fast, hit ridiculously hard, had natural instinctive ability, razor sharp reflexes and graceful foot movements. I don't consider fast, naturally slick fighters like Floyd and Whitaker in this category because while they were blessed with speed, they didn't have the total package like Roy. Manny and both Sugar Rays belong in this category also, although the Sugar Rays fought in a more traditional/fundamentally sound manner.

Natural defensive ability: Sweet Pea is the prime example for me. He was very creative and just seemed to take more pleasure in making the other guy miss than landing a good shot. Lou Duva said that off the street Pernell was able to stand in front of more experienced fighters and make them miss. Floyd, James Toney and Wilfredo Benitez fit this category well also.

Learned skill: Floyd and BHOP are both poster children for this spot. Unbelievably skilled fighters who are versatile and can do everything in the ring. Other equally great examples are the Sugar Rays, Ricardo Lopez, Mike Mcallum, James Toney, Marvin Hagler and many more.
Would Benitez fit in the naturally gifted category?