I've recently been labelled an idiot on here by a pseudo-intellectual for suggesting that Sonny Liston & Larry Holmes had the 2 best jabs in the history of the division.
Who do you all think are the best jabbers in the HW division's history?
I've have listed who I think are the master jabbers, but if you disagree with my choices, then I have chosen an 'other' option for you to name one fighter.
IMO a geat jab is accurate, fast and heavy. Liston and Foreman had heavy jabs. Ali had a fast annoying jab. As much as I love Liston's jab he lost the battle with Ali (although there was more at play than just this). I've always considered this to be why Ali seemed to handle him so easily.
Anyway, back to jabs... I feel that Holmes had the best combination of speed, potency and accuracy so he got my vote. I do feel that Louis sometimes gets neglected when talking of great jabs.
kick asner wrote:Riddock Bowe had a great jab. Quick and powerful with a good reach. He used it well in setting up his other punches.
Too inconsistent for me, Kick. When he used it he was a formidable opponent, but too often he neglected it. In a way ot sort of sums up his career. When he was on it though that jab was like a pole.
kick asner wrote:Riddock Bowe had a great jab. Quick and powerful with a good reach. He used it well in setting up his other punches.
Too inconsistent for me, Kick. When he used it he was a formidable opponent, but too often he neglected it. In a way ot sort of sums up his career. When he was on it though that jab was like a pole.
I was actually thinking the same thing as I was posting and how he wasted his talent. But I couldn't get the image out of my mind in his first fight against Holyfield the way he fired it with purpose time and again. But as you said and I can agree on, inconsistency was what he will most be remembered for.
I like to hear what fighters who have fought some of these guys have to say.
Wepner talked about Listons jab breaking bones in his face when it landed.
Thats a good endorsement in my opinion.
...joe louis. short,long, speed,accuracy, power..when he was fighting on fumes against schmelling he was still landing it....whenhe was all washed up he was effective for a while against marciano....when he was past his prime and lost big he still busted up ezzard charles with it ....best jab ever.
expug wrote:I like to hear what fighters who have fought some of these guys have to say.
Wepner talked about Listons jab breaking bones in his face when it landed.
Thats a good endorsement in my opinion.
Absolutely!
Bear in mind that Liston was about 500 yrs old & the time & it's all the more impressive!!!! :P
I remember reading that Louis' jab was as powerful as an average heavyweight's right hand. That says something.
Liston's lefty was also quite something to behold.
Alis's was the fastest, but as someone said it was more annoying, rather that destructive. Then again, when someone punched as fast as he did, if you did not see it coming, wow! Troubles. :-)