Who is/was the most intelligent boxer of all time?

[AlexKid]

There have definately been some bright sparks in boxing, they arnt common, but they exist, question is whos number one?

[Ray Corso]

Sugar Ray Robinson he could out box you if needed or out power you! He disected his opponents quickly and abused their weaknesses and could take their strengths and have them work against them.
Boxing Robinson was playing chess with serious consequences and he was the chess (boxing) Master!

Pep was considered a wizzard in the ring!
Gene Tunney was another great thinker on his feet!
Jack Johnson was far ahead of his time in all aspects of the sports technical abilities.
B. Leonard
M. Ali
P. Whitaker
.........................I could think of a few more but its time for lunch! Ray.

[raskat]

Gene Tunney, Bernard Hopkins, Harold Johnson, Azumah Nelson, Wladimir Klitschko, Floyd Mayweather, Sugar Ray Leonard
Impossible to pick a number 1 in my opinion.

[TysonBomb]

SRL was the most cunning

[Bodyshot3]

Nathan Cleverly secured a top-class degree in Pure Mathematics from Cardiff University whilst boxing professionally....so it is safe to assume he is properly bright and can count his pay packet.

[rightsideup]

bobby czyz was a member of mensa. This may not translated to ring intelligence. All the guys you have mentioned above qualify along with roberto duran who was uneducated but very ring savy

[likeamulekick]

there probably alot of smart guys that probably dint have a great boxing career but if were talking who used there inteligence to great effectiveness in and out of the ring id probably say alis probably number 1

[JAB5239]

According to Ray Arcel, Benny Leonard was the most intelligent fighter ever inside the ring. This is very subjective, but looking at his wins and comp id say a strong argument could be mounted.

[Ray Corso]

Shrewd would have to be James J. Braddock part of his contract with Joe Louis to defend his title against Louis was for Louis to give up 25% of Louis future contracts back to Braddock!!!!
Thats damn near cold bloodied!!!! Ray

[Sugarj]

Nathan Cleverly secured a top-class degree in Pure Mathematics from Cardiff University whilst boxing professionally....so it is safe to assume he is properly bright and can count his pay packet.

His ring intelligence and recklessness are very much at odds with his on paper qualifications though. Ali barely got through school but had a far higher ring intelligence.

Carl Froch seems pretty sharp and switched on....but what is it with these bright guys leaving their chins out to dry? You'd have thought they'd want to protect their brain cells!

Nicky Piper was another academic and mensa member.

In terms of ring intelligence and apparent academic intelligence I rate Gene Tunney pretty highly. Well read, quotable, calculating, elusive and controlled in the ring.

I once heard that Lennox Lewis's chess skills were that of a 'solid club standard'.