Was Marlon Starling the best blocker?

[Mintcar923]

Muhammad Ali always floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee. He could slip and evade equally as well when he was younger. Pernell Whitiker was an incredible defensive fighter as we all know. But his defense was very original. He had a way of keeping at bay and just had a knack for evading in his own way. When I think of boxers who have a vast talent for blocking punches perhaps the only one who comes to my mind that I'd seen is Marlon Starling. I'd say his talent was mesmerizing when it came to actually blocking punches completely almost every time. I'm wondering if there were any more boxers who had such an ability. I understand that a prime Mike Tyson may have been the top defensive fighter when it came to slipping. But I've never seen him block with the same kind of effectiveness as a Starling. I suppose it really depends on the style of the man and the way he's been taught. There are also guys who roll with punches very masterfully a la Rocky Marciano and Evander Holyfield. What look like massive hit are not at all.

[SCtrojansbaby]

Look up Felix Sturm and Winky Wright

[Miburo]

Winky Wright had one of the best pure blocking defenses ever.

[DarkTerror88]

Sweet Pea used more upper body movement in the pocket as his own defense. Willie Pep was a master at controlling range and putting you right where he wanted you.

Look up Felix Sturm and Winky Wright

Excellent call on Winky .

Okay that was a really lame pun, but i couldn't resist.

I haven't seen much of Sturm, is he really that good defensively?

[fitefanSHO]

Archie Moore and George Foreman come to mind for their use of the cross-arm defense.

[The_Demon]

Sweet Pea used more upper body movement in the pocket as his own defense. Willie Pep was a master at controlling range and putting you right where he wanted you.



Excellent call on Winky .

Okay that was a really lame pun, but i couldn't resist.

I haven't seen much of Sturm, is he really that good defensively?

No he isnt very good,Macklin put a beating on him over in germany and obviously didnt get the decision,you should have seen sturms body it was like beetroot,he certainly isnt that good defensively

Winky gets my vote too,dude was tight as hell with that shell D

[gatorDelux]

best defense is blocking and headmovement.

if i could be great at one it wwould be head movement.