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I wouldn't be mad at all to label Leonard as the GOAT. The thing that works against him is his off and on career. He didn't have as many fights on his resume as most of the other greats.But some of the fighters he have on his resume are hall of famers and all time greats. I personally think that Hagler is the best Middleweight ever. In other words, I can't imagine Robinson or any other Middleweight beating him in his prime. Duran is argueably the best lightweight of all time, and Hearns is without a doubt the greatest 1 punch KO artist in welterweight history. Plus, there are not too many welterweights that could beat or stand up to Hearns right hand. Wilfred Binetez was a great welterweight as well.
So my question is, what welterweight could have beat Sugar Ray Leonard in his prime in a 15 round fight? I honestly can't think of anyone. Those that would even think that Pacquioa or Mayweather would beat Leonard obviously have never truly watched Ray fight. They are simply not in his class. They are great for this era, but truthfully that's not really saying much.
Leonard had it all. The complete fighter. He could fight at a distance and use the ring, he could fight on the inside and bang. He had a great jab, a great left hook, great uppercuts and a better than average right hand. He had great technical skills, very good defense, and a great chin and recovery abilities. What other fighter in history was more complete? If there are any, i've never saw them. It must have been way before my time. I've watched clips on Robinson and he was great. But the guys i watched him stuggle against, doesn't convince me at all that he could have beat Leonard. If he couldn't outbox you than he could out fight you and vice versa. He was a smart fighter and always in tip top shape. Plus, he had one of the best trainers of all time in his corner.
So, maybe he's not the best in a lot of peoples mind. But, please be honest and name just 5 fighters in boxing history in or near his division that would have beat him. To be honest, I can't see Manny or Floyd beating Hearns. He was too good of a boxer with a great jab and a devastating right hand. TO BE HONEST...I don't see Robinson beating Hearns!!!
So my question is, what welterweight could have beat Sugar Ray Leonard in his prime in a 15 round fight? I honestly can't think of anyone. Those that would even think that Pacquioa or Mayweather would beat Leonard obviously have never truly watched Ray fight. They are simply not in his class. They are great for this era, but truthfully that's not really saying much.
Leonard had it all. The complete fighter. He could fight at a distance and use the ring, he could fight on the inside and bang. He had a great jab, a great left hook, great uppercuts and a better than average right hand. He had great technical skills, very good defense, and a great chin and recovery abilities. What other fighter in history was more complete? If there are any, i've never saw them. It must have been way before my time. I've watched clips on Robinson and he was great. But the guys i watched him stuggle against, doesn't convince me at all that he could have beat Leonard. If he couldn't outbox you than he could out fight you and vice versa. He was a smart fighter and always in tip top shape. Plus, he had one of the best trainers of all time in his corner.
So, maybe he's not the best in a lot of peoples mind. But, please be honest and name just 5 fighters in boxing history in or near his division that would have beat him. To be honest, I can't see Manny or Floyd beating Hearns. He was too good of a boxer with a great jab and a devastating right hand. TO BE HONEST...I don't see Robinson beating Hearns!!!
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