Has fighting “in the pocket” become a lost art?

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Guys like James Toney and Roberto Duran were masters at this.

Aside from Canelo and Roman Gonzalez, I can’t think of many modern fighters who have mastered this technique.

[IronDanHamza]

It’s been a lost art for a while.

It’s as if inside fighting is a thing of the past now.

[YoungManRumble]

Perhaps it's fallen out of fashion in the undefeated era? No one wants to get grimy and risk it for a biscuit? Wtf do I know...

[ST201314]

I definitely think in-fighting is a bit of a lost art.

In addition to the guys you mentioned, I think Errol Spence has a pretty solid inside game, and Orlando Salido also comes to mind (even though he's not an active fighter anymore).

[fourtheboys96]

Saying Canelo is a pocket fighter is an insult to Roman Gonzalez.

[MulaKO]

Guys like James Toney and Roberto Duran were masters at this.

Aside from Canelo and Roman Gonzalez, I can’t think of many modern fighters who have mastered this technique.

Unfortunately your absolutely right
One big reason for that , imo ,is the refereeing
Refs are not taught to let fighters get out of clinch or chest to chest
They jump in to soon and recently it’s been happening more and more

[Watcherw1]

what about lillian shyte? povetkin to ice whyte by round 7

[kingstip9]

Excessive clinching seems to be hurting the sport in my opinion.

[kidbazooka]

Benavidez does it pretty good for a big guy.

[Toffee]

Entertainment. Refs are told to keep the fight open.

Not it's particularly more interesting to me.