Quote Originally Posted by Taeth
Roy Jones Jr.
Willie Pep
Mayweather Jr.
Whitaker
Winky Wright

all had/have great reflexes but that doesn't always mean everything. Ali had great reflexes, but when he fought flat footed he was relatively easy to hit footwork aside. Leonard also appeared that way. Michael Nunn, Meldrick Taylor, Shane Mosley all have great reflexes, but they could be hit. What of the top mentioned guys had the best defensive style in that the most people could use it effectively? I would say Wright.
Wright probably has the best textbook boxing defense, yes. That doesnt mean it is the best. There is no one best defense in terms of picking a style of defensive posture or technique and saying, "that's the best". A fighter's defense depends on the fighter; their size/body type, how he or she moves, their speed, chin, power and the type of fighter they mentally believe they are. What works in a textbook; hands-up, elbows-in-and-down defense may not work for a rangy fighter with a lot of speed who generates more power in looping punches thrown from a position where the hands are lower than normal. I would think a more James Toney/Roy Jones-like stance; with the left slightly down; guarding the body, while employeeing the use of "fades" and evasive maneuvers then immediately counterpunching (like fading back to avoid a straight punch then coming back with the counter overhand right) would be a better type of defense for this type of boxer than would a more balanced textbook defensive style (ala winky wright) or a style that called for a crouching, tight, inside-fighting defensive style (like the "peek a boo" defense made popular by Cus D'Amato that can be seen in Mike Tyson and the late Floyd Patterson), because he would be able to use his speed and range to the best of his ability. So basically I think the best defense for a fighter depends on that fighters body type, speed, power and chin. Everyone is different. Different types of defenses work better for different people. Good topic.