Best Defensive fighter of all time!

I know everyone is expecting me to say Floyd Mayweather #1...but actually I'd pick Pernell Whitaker. I think Whitaker has the slight edge on Mayweather and Pep.

 

The discussion wouldn't be complete without mentioning Niccolino Locche.

 

What about Willie Pep? I've seen 0.25 fights of his, and I'm convinced he's the best ever defensive fighter.

Actually, my vote goes to Benitez. Unlike Whitaker, he wasn't a incessant grappler.

 

Pernell.

 

Hmmm....

MOST Roy Jones NAYSAYERS will Tell U that Roy's Chin ALWAYS SUCKED; that he was FORTUNATE to have NEVER had it Checked, Until the RE w/Tarver...

If that's REALLY the Case, those Same RJ Critics Must B Consistent & Give Roy CREDIT for Going 15 Years +, w/Out Getting his Chin Checked...For Having an "All-Time" Level of Defensive...



REED:mj:

 

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Shout out to Librado Andrade.

 

Lewis, too!

 

I'm glad to see somebody not going for the hippety-slickers.

I'm sure your keen eye also picks up on Margarito's underrated defense?

 

Save yourself some time and admit that you think that not only was RJJ the greatest fighter of all time, but that you're depserately afraid nobody agrees with you.

 

Pernell gets my vote as well.

Mayweather Jr, Locche and Pep are abvious choices as well.

Roy's defense is a bit underrated now that he has been dropped more Diego Corrales but in his prime it was almost impossible getting to him. Sure, his counterpunching and power was enough to keep most out but dude had unbelievable reflexes.

 

Yep. Margarito is easily top 10 all time.

 

WRONG!!!!!! Wilfred Benitez tops them all.

 

Arturo Gatti, the way he used his face as a shield was simply amazing.

 

Yep. He protected other parts of his body very well by putting his face in the way.

 

im shocked double L hasnt mentioned Danny Lopez

 

Ivan Calderon has to be rated as one of the best defensive fighters today. I dont know how he ranks all-time though....

 

Whitaker
Benitez
Pep

Then everyone else....

 

REED DOESN'T Think Roy's THE Greatest of All Time...But he's Certainly Amongst them & MANY Agree...Obviously, Roy's No Rocky Juarez, Librado Andrade or Margarita, but Surely U Can Acknowledge his Greatness, Can't U Doub???...



REED:hammert:

 

Roy's definitely right up close to the best of the best in this department. The only thing keeping him a nudge below the top for my money is that the threat of his speed and offence really contributed to lowering his opponents output, so his defence was probably more potentially unlockable than say Whitaker or Locche (or even Mayweather). I don't think Roy could have stood in front of a guy like say Oscar (p4p) throwing multi punch combos and come out unscathed. He woulda had to just cover up. But to suggest he doesn't belong on the list and high on it can only be driven by hate.

 

Difference is though that Locche did that against some slow handed fighters..Whitaker would do that and more against guys like De La Hoya and Azumah Nelson

 

You Puerto Rican by chance?

 

Very good point.

 

It's a lost art.

 

I never cared for RJJ's style. But it's true that his speed and awkward punching gave his opponents fits and had them scared out of their wits. There was a period during his light heavyweight reign when things were just too easy for him, and his fights followed the same pattern time and time again. It was during this period too that he seemed to have endless stamina and could easily withstand the occasional flurry from his opponent along the ropes.

And it's true that below 175 he truly had knock-out power. Making him somewhat more entertaining to watch there.

So overall, while I was never a fan of his style (or his selection of opponents), he clearly had ability.

 

To me, you could say Whitaker, Pep, Locche, Canto, Benitez at his best.... all of those guys have to be in the mix

a lot of folks will say Jones was great just because he was fast and that his defensive skills were actually underdeveloped because he relied on his speed for his unorthodox defense... I guess thats a fair point

But I ask THIS: wasnt it hugely effective for more than a decade??? As long as Roy jones had that speed, he was able to use that defense... to me, we have to consider it great defense if it works to stellar effect for all those years

 

Wished I had more time watching Pep, Benny Leonard, Tunney, etc.

For me, in my lifetime, it's like this:

1) Whitaker
2) Benitez
3) Starling

 

Locche? Leonard (not Ray)? Tunney?

 

:atu::laughing:

 

I think the greatest defensive fighter of all time must be Michalczewski.

After all, he managed to keep the lineal title throughout both his and the greatest offensive, 2nd greatest defensive, most exciting, fastest, quickest, most powerful, biggest dicked and all around great guy, Roy Jones' prime without getting touched by Roy.