Greatest Ring General?

[DeeMoney]

If we are to define ring generalship as which fighter is controlling the action, the tempo, and making the fight be fought how they want to. Then who is the greatest ring general of all time?

Is it an aggressive fighter (Armstrong), a defensive type (Mayweather or Pep), a counter puncher (Moore) or someone who is a mix of skills?

[Willow The Wisp]

Benny Leonard.

[JAB5239]

Benny Leonard.

This was the first person to come to mind for me as well. I've also thought Sam Langford. I mean how good do you have to be to be almost completely blind and able to steer your opponents into knockout punches? Duran was fantastic as well. Tough question.

[Kid Cauliflower]

Rocky Marciano.

You have to be a great ring general to win every time over top heavyweights.

More elusive fighters are generally the ones that come to mind--Pep, Robby, B. Leonard, R Leonard, Mayweather, et al. But as the OP noted, swarmers like Armstrong and Greb have a great controlling effect on tempo too and are dictators. They are so dangerous to be close to that it acts as part of their defense and affects the other's offense. To me that is control.

Anyone I named and more could be thought of as the GRG, since I think it boils down to taste.

[QueensburyRules]

- - Obviously Usyk the best of his generation. Speaks volumes that he was almost always the away fighter never at home yet managed to beat everyone.

[billeau2]

I like Leonard for one of the most outstanding. He could make adjustments on the fly. Robinson... of course. Monzon also seemed to have a real sense of adapting his attacks in an organized way. Louis, without a doubt.

I feel like legit pressure fighters are all excellent ring generals because it is built into their style.

[billeau2]

- - Obviously Usyk the best of his generation. Speaks volumes that he was almost always the away fighter never at home yet managed to beat everyone.

Obviously? as compared to Loma for example?

[GhostofDempsey]

Robinson or Duran would be at the top for me. Archie Moore was another.

[billeau2]

Robinson or Duran would be at the top for me. Archie Moore was another.

How about Pee Wee? I think great defensive guys also have to be good generals in the ring, otherwise they will get smashed by a good puncher.

[GhostofDempsey]

How about Pee Wee? I think great defensive guys also have to be good generals in the ring, otherwise they will get smashed by a good puncher.

I thought about Whitaker, definitely one of the top ten defensive fighters all time. I’m not sure he really controlled the tempo though, he was more of a counter puncher who let his opponent set the pace and come to him. Whitaker’s defensive style was very similar to Dempsey. I’ve posted comparison videos that demonstrate their defensive prowess and they look very similar in footwork, ducking, slipping bob/weave, etc.