Is blocking punches an underrated defensive maneuver in recent times?

[ShoulderRoll]

Well, I disagree there tbh.

Mayweather, for example, often switches to a high guard stance, and his rear hand very rarely drops below his chin. This is one of, if not the, greatest defensivet fighters of all time, and he seems to understand the benefits of both.

One isnt better than the other, its just different. Different pros, different cons.

Dempsey doesn't say that you shouldn't block punches. He just puts the skill lower in the rankings than the deflections and the evasive movements.

Based on my own experiences and my current understanding of boxing as a science I think he was spot on.