iamasadlittleboy Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 It seems that many fighters have forgotten just how valuable a jab is but who has the best? My nominations (just to get the conversation started) Wladimir Klitschko-Certainly not the best in Heavyweight history but the best of any current Heavyweight by a long way. His jab allows him to use his height and maintain control of the range whilst also hurting opponents with solid force behind it. Miguel Vazquez-Although he doesn't have any major power on his jab he uses it excellently to make opponents pay for their mistakes. Whilst not technically a hurtful jab it's a jab that is accurate and suits his style amazingly well, it's quick and often landed as an accurate counter. Anselmo Moreno-Like Vazquez' Moreno's Jab isn't a powerful one but it's quick, it's accurate and it allows him to use his height to control the distance and pace of a fight. He now seems to be adding weight behind it (see the De La Mora fight) so he may be getting more belief in his power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brooklynbrawler Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 It's difficult to look beyond Wlad for this one, as he has proven how effective he can make the jab, time and time again. I thought Abril had a great jab, but then I've only seen his fight with Rios. Floyd has a fast and accurate jab, though with little power behind it. There's enough snap to keep most opponents at bay though. Cotto, Soto and Froch also have pretty underrated jabs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ton Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Is this a case of techniques changing over time? Like the evolution of football, we're seeing a major shift, from the pump it up field over the top to the big forward and hope something happens, to the more technical pass and dash through the opposition. Maybe in boxing, the success and excitement of people with more flashy styles who rely more on speed and reflexes to get off their shots is the trend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skav Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Larry Holmes and Lewis are off the top of my head. Tyson had a good jab when he used it effectively although I wouldn't consider him one of the best jabbers. Ali was okay at it but he pawed a lot. Thomas Hearns had a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted July 30, 2012 Author Share Posted July 30, 2012 You miss the "current" there Lee? :p Ton I think you might be right but it's a basic weapon and yet no one seems to use it. It'd be like a football team forgetting that they can pass the ball. The jab can be used to set up range, to score points, to control the pace of the bout, to counter, to open up other shots, to open up a defence etc etc it's such a versatile punch that every fighter should be able to use it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meathead Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Because of the fact that he bases his whole style around it, and is so dominant with it, its really difficult to look past Wlad. I actually dont think its particularly powerful, but it frustrates opponents and with Wlad being extremely cautious he doesnt throw the hook off of it that often. When it does come the opponent isnt prepared and it has devastating effects. Its like a much more passive version of the jab, jab, hook that Lennox Lewis used to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 I'm not sure which is either because there are less fighters around using decent jabs or I'm not watching enough boxing. Wlad is the main one that employs an effective jab, that I can think of. People like Dawson and even Broner had a good jab but use it sparingly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemurphy Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 For me, it's Wlad also. Not just that it's a great offensive weapon, but that it also helps him defend a suspect chin. I don't think it compares with my all-time HW best jab which is the Holmes Hammer, but it's pretty damn good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAZZ-MCFC Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 It has to be Wlad simply because that's virtually the only shot he uses and his reach is so ridiculous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Ko Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Bit of a strange one but I like David Haye's jab, has a good variation, probably an underused weapon, but was impressed with it in the Klitschko loss. Winky Wright's piston jab. Ricky Burns uses it well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Frank Bruno had a better, more powerful jab than Wlad but he used it as an offensive weapon. Wlad uses it smartly and like Dave says, partly for defense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irondave85 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Felix Sturm deserves a mention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted August 1, 2012 Author Share Posted August 1, 2012 How he feck did we all forget that one =/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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