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Roy Jones. Vasiliy Lomachenko. Muhammad Ali. Ray Leonard. James. Toney. Pernell Whitaker. Willie Pep. Nicolino Locche.
There is plenty more where those names above came from when we discuss defensive boxers. They say that boxing is about the “art of hitting and not getting hit.” And fighters like those guys certainly believed in that adage.
But who is the best among them?
Does Floyd Mayweather deserve to be considered as such?
The answer is always subjective. And considering the prolific history of boxing, it is quite difficult to come to a definitive answer. But I will attempt to find one.
Beginning with Cassius Clay (as he was known during his defensive best) het would make it seem effortless in using his mobility and head movement to dodge opponent’s punches. The likes of Sonny Liston had a nightmare trying to land one of his power blows. Moving to more modern times, Roy Jones was very adept at weaving while he laid against the ropes. In fact, he was so good that the Floridian eventually was confident enough to put both hands behind his back, avoiding incoming fire before flooring and stopping Glen Kelly in the 7th round.
Heading back in time again, the Argentinian Nicolino Locche was a light-welterweight who campaigned throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. With only 14 KO’s in 117 victorious battles, he had no choice but to rely on skill than power. His nickname, “The Untouchable,” was certainly a suitable moniker for the way he bobbed and weaved. He even had time to often smoke cigarettes in his corner between rounds!
We currently have Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko, currently 16-2 at time of this writing, who lost his WBA and WBO titles to Teofimo Lopez a couple of years ago and is currently in the process of attempting to go for gold again. Already a well accomplished amateur, Lomachenko is fantastic at moving his head and using his feet to avoid punishment.
Pernell Whitaker and “Sugar” Ray Leonard used to dazzle audiences when they had the ability to offer a high work rate but protect themselves from harm.
Now you probably understand why it is so hard to see where Floyd Mayweather stacks up against those guys.
But the way I look at it is like this.
While no such test has been conducted to definitively validate this claim, Mayweather surely has to be up there alongside a select couple where he was hit clean the least amount of times in his whole career. Nicolino Locche may have called himself “The Untouchable” but he was hit cleanly a copious amount of times by Alfonso Frazer in their 1972 fight at close range. And often with the jab.
I am somebody who isn’t exactly complimentary when it comes to talking about the manufactured route Floyd elected to take his career. But I have to give merit where it is due.
And if you don’t think he is the best defensive boxer in history, then surely it would be fair to say that he comes close…
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