Ali brought movement, footwork, speed, and technique typically seen only in lighter-weight classes, to the heavyweight division. He also invented, or made famous, the "rope-a-dope," putting it to great use against heavy-handed George Forman
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Top 10 Defensive Boxers of All Time
#2
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
Although many may not like Mayweather Jr, his defense is multi-dimensional. He can stay "in the pocket" and pick you apart with counter-punches while flat-footed, as he did against Arturo Gatti. But, he also displays nimble footwork against such fighters as Manny Pacquiao or Andre Berto.
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#3
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Roy Jones Jr.
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
Probably the most athletic champion of all time, Roy made his name being flashy and cocky. But, even though his boxing style was unlike any before, his athleticism made him particularily difficult to hit cleanly and his speed made many fighters regret pressing the offensive against him by his devastating counterpunching ability.
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#4
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Bernard Hopkins
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
May casual boxing fans didn't exactly see B-Hop as an entertaining fighter, but his reliance on defense and superior technical boxing ability and strategy allowed him to box well into his upper 40's at a championship-level, and also, into his 50's. His counterpunching and subtle, no-wasted-moves style made Bernard Hopkins one of the most dangerous
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#5
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
James Toney
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
James Toney may not have been the most outwardly physically-fit boxer late in his career, but his shoulder-roll and counter-punching are among some of the most prolific and devastating in all of boxing history. He doesn't rely on fancy footwork mych, but, he will never give a clean target to hit.
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#6
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Pernell Whitaker
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
Virginia's own pernell Whitaker is one of the many boxers who utilized the shoulder-roll defense. But, he is among one of the best examples of how to employ this common-yet-difficult defensive technique to perfection.
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#7
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Willie Pep
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
Willie Pep is regarded as one of the finest defensively-gifted boxers of all time. He is also widely credited with winning a round without throwing a single punch in the 3rd round against opponent Jackie Graves. Although this is partial legend, it says a lot about how respected Willie Pep's defense was.
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#8
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Sugar Ray Robinson
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
Not just limited to one of the best defensive boxers of all time, Ray Robinson is also widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer of all time. He brought a much looser, versatile, and active style to boxing and is known to change styles in the middle of a round. he utilized his footwork to gain the advantage in angles and is known to also p
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#9
Suggested by
Paolo De Laurentiis
Nicolino Locche
10
Paolo De Laurentiis
8 years ago Report
With a record of 117-4 with 14 no-contests, this little-known, but former WBA World Title holder in the light welterweight division is considered the creator of the now-famous "shoulder roll" defense. His nickname was, " El Intocable" meaning, "The Untouchable," due to his defensive prowess which would show itself with Locche, at times, totally dro
