We review 5 best defensive boxers of all time. Who could had spectacular ability to evade and who could evade while delivering a punch out of nowhere? Let's see who are the top defensive boxers of all time!
#5 – “Sugar” Ray Leonard (36 Wins; 3 Losses)
It should not come as a surprise that “Sugar” makes the top 5 list of best defensive boxers. While, arguably, he is one of the best boxers of all time, he is also one of the best defensive boxers of all time. “Sugar” Ray Leonard lost the last of his two fights at the end of his boxing career before retiring. He has had an amazing career as a boxer. He has held multiple WBC, WBO and WBA titles in welterweight, middleweight divisions. Sugar possessed incredible movement and fights that would put you on the edge of your seat. He would beat his opponents in a spectacular fashion and would always put up a great show.
#4 - Muhammad Ali (56 Wins; 5 Losses)
Now, in number four the one and only Muhammad Ali. The most celebrated boxing figure has to be known for his skills and movement in particular. He would mesmerize crowds with his dance-like boxing style. To put on a show like Ali, you have to have incredible defensive skills and Ali had them. Having held an Olympic medal at the young age of 18, you had the most talented boxer break records from early teens. Ali was well known to taunt his opponents outside the ring but he would also taunt them in inside the ring, with his skills.
#3 - Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker (40 Wins; 4 Losses)
While Pernell is not known to everyone outside of boxing circles like Ali or “Sugar” Ray, Pernell is an absolute legend. He held four weight titles and won gold in the 1984 Olympics. He was not known for stopping punches and would win most fights by decision. This meant long fights and lots of time to display his defensive ability. Each of the boxers on this list have their own unique defense style but Pernell’s arguably could the most entertaining. Unscripted movement that his opponents could never figure out. Pernell is also in the Boxing Hall of Fame.
#2 - Willie Pep (229 Wins; 11 Losses)
Willie Pep (or Guglielmo Papaleo) stepped in professionally in 241 boxing matches that gave him a combined 1956 rounds. A freak of nature, Willie lost for the first time only after 62 wins. There is not a lot of footage of Willie since he fought back in the 40s, 50s and 60s. Luckily there is a bit of footage available and it shows why he makes the top 5 list of best defensive boxers. Willie was ahead of his time in boxing and was widely recognized as best of all time at the time. Arguably, still is.
#1 - Floyd Mayweather (49 Wins; 0 Losses)
Hate him or love him, you got to give it to him. On our list he is the best defensive boxer of all time. Such legends as De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto could don’t hit him. Floyd is a defensive genius. With a stance that he was known for – one arm down, he was a calculated fighter that would have every move figured out. He was incredible in defending both even in the corner and would not be afraid to stay in the pocket. In fact, his defensive skills were so good that he would always identify opportunities while defending and capitalize on them. Always one step ahead and rarely missing shots, Floyd comes in at number one spot and it will be difficult to move him out of it.
