Defensive Wizardry, you guys opinions

[DCReprezenta]

True defensive prowess I believe is one of the most inaccurate used compliments that are given to boxers...Biggest misconception in my opinion is that the least hit equals the best defensive fighter, I believe it is deeper than just not getting hit...Some fighters like Camacho and Spadafora lived off of cruising on their 12-speed inside the squared circle, yet they are given props for having nice defense..I believe defense is more than just avoiding punches thrown, but avoiding punches landed...Fighters like Bones Adams and James Toney used the proper fundamentals for being defensively aware doing more than just running around the ring, but implementing parries and rolling as well as bobbing and weaving...If I could get you guys lists of top defensive fighters, I think it'd be interesting to see what you all believe constitutes nice "defense"...Mine is as follows:

Wilfred Benitez (never seen anybody slip body punches until I saw him.)
(The then) Cassius Clay (never seen anybody slip low blows until I saw him.)
Pernell Whitaker (need I say more?...Seen they guy sit in front of opponents and make them miss 8 and 9 punches without even attempting to throw back.)
James Toney (maybe the prototype of the ideal counterpuncher, perhaps the best bob & weave in the last 30 years...maybe due to his height.)
Roy Jones Jr. (Simply put, the guy would go fights without getting hit clean.)
Chris Byrd & Winky Wright (Both of them have chins that are pretty much punch-resistant...blocking skills on point.)

[m00ks]

You didn't say anything about Mr. Whitaker?!?!

[DCReprezenta]

You didn't say anything about Mr. Whitaker?!?!

read again.

[m00ks]

read again.

missed it lol mah bad.

[justin04]

this isn't what you're looking for, but when you brought up james toney it reminded me of my pick for the boxer fighting now who has the WORST defensive skills - vassily jirov. i don't think that he even tries to avoid punches. a total waste, too - if his defensive skills were in line with his offensive skills he'd be a great fighter.

as for best defense... i realize that this isn't a very good choice but evander holyfield in his prime was able to hold his own in the ring with some massive punchers - tyson, bowe, lewis -and it wasn't all just because of his heart and his offensive volume... he looked like a defenisve master in the tyson fight, at least...

[DCReprezenta]

this isn't what you're looking for, but when you brought up james toney it reminded me of my pick for the boxer fighting now who has the WORST defensive skills - vassily jirov. i don't think that he even tries to avoid punches. a total waste, too - if his defensive skills were in line with his offensive skills he'd be a great fighter.

as for best defense... i realize that this isn't a very good choice but evander holyfield in his prime was able to hold his own in the ring with some massive punchers - tyson, bowe, lewis -and it wasn't all just because of his heart and his offensive volume... he looked like a defenisve master in the tyson fight, at least...

Holyfield did have a left hook radar when he was in his early 30's at heavyweight...As for Jirov I believe him and Wayne McCullough may be the 2 most least defensive fighters who have televised fights, neither of them even try to avoid punches.