Just as Mayweather is considered the best defensive boxer of this age, many consider Pernell Whitaker the best defensive boxer of the previous boxing era. An incredibly slick southpaw fighter, Whitaker used the check lead hook and stutter step, common tools for defensive boxers to prevent opponents from lining up punches correctly. This allowed him to use his incredible reflexes to dodge seemingly hundreds of punches at a time. Here’s how these techniques work in tandem:
-First, an orthodox opponent throws a jab. Whitaker slips to the outside of the jab to pivot right while simultaneously throwing a quick hook/looping jab over the top.
-Next, the opponent turns to continue the approach, likely behind a high guard. Whitaker brings his rear foot back, giving the appearance of giving ground. When the opponent takes the bait, Whitaker instead steps out to his left, completely misaligning his opponent.
-As the opponent turns to attack, his punches will be unbalanced and weak, allowing Whitaker to easily dodge and counter with precise, far more powerful punches.
Whitaker was an all-time great when it came to boxing defense, and along with Mayweather, is one of the least hit boxers in history because he took a basic technique and elevated it to an elite level. Check out Pernell Whitaker vs. Julio Cezar Vasquez to see his work in action.