Part 6/9:
In addition to conditioning, modern defense has reached new heights. Fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Pernell Whitaker made it their careers to minimize incoming damage, a tactical evolution that old school fighters had yet to fully realize. They utilized smarter angles and clinching techniques, ultimately absorbing less punishment, a critical success factor in today’s sport.
Would Legends Thrive Today?
The conversation inevitably turns towards whether iconic fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson or Muhammad Ali would find success in the modern era. Many of these legends possessed unique abilities and an unparalleled fight IQ that could challenge contemporary champions.