Who wins this legendary fight more often than not?

I don't take props away from fighters, and nor do I make excuses for them. Leonard was in no position to REFUSE a third fight. He was, and he did. Watch the following video at 2:26. Duran says he wants to fight the rematch and show he's better than Leonard. Cosell asks Leonard if he'll fight him again, EVER. Leonard says no, and gave some weak excuse about the media (the controversy would have sold the fight even more).

Whose fault is that, Sugars? Stop giving Duran excuses. You probably weren't even born then. I'm not giving anyone excuses. It's ridiculous for anyone to say that.

Let's be real though, saying Leonard fought the way he did in the first fight just because Duran called Juanita dirty names is just as much of an excuse for Leonard's loss (and it takes credit away from Duran's own footwork.. he was no plodder). None of us are "right", like you said, because the third fight never came. But keep in mind it was Leonard who refused the third fight until Duran was older and worn down. It's his own fault that this was never settled. I don't take props away from fighters, and nor do I make excuses for them. Leonard was in no position to REFUSE a third fight.

So, this isn't proof of anything. Leonard gave a lot of interviews. I was there in that time though. I know the deal. Stop giving Duran excuses. Whose fault is that, Sugars? Stop giving Duran excuses. You probably weren't even born then. Let's be real though, saying Leonard fought the way he did in the first fight just because Duran called Juanita dirty names is just as much of an excuse for Leonard's loss (and it takes credit away from Duran's own footwork.. he was no plodder). None of us are "right", like you said, because the third fight never came. But keep in mind it was Leonard who refused the third fight until Duran was older and worn down. It's his own fault that this was never settled.

Lmfao, cutting 40 lbs and being able to boxing for longer than 5 rounds is ****ing impossible. Whose fault is that, Sugars? Stop giving Duran excuses. You probably weren't even born then.

Sugar Ray Leonard-"My intention was to fight Duran asap because i knew Durans habits i knew he would indulge himself, eat gain 40-50 pounds and have to sweat it off to make 147 that was my plan from day 1". Those words came straight out of Leonard's mouth.So, this isn't proof of anything. Leonard gave a lot of interviews. I was there in that time though. I know the deal. Stop giving Duran excuses.

Sugar Ray Leonard-"My intention was to fight Duran asap because i knew Durans habits i knew he would indulge himself, eat gain 40-50 pounds and have to sweat it off to make 147 that was my plan from day 1". Those words came straight out of Leonard's mouth. Lmfao, cutting 40 lbs and being able to boxing for longer than 5 rounds is ****ing impossible.

Sugar Ray Leonard-"My intention was to fight Duran asap because i knew Durans habits i knew he would indulge himself, eat gain 40-50 pounds and have to sweat it off to make 147 that was my plan from day 1". Those words came straight out of Leonard's mouth. Im a huge Duran fan, but i dont believe thats why he lost the rematch. Leonard just boxed beautifully. Duran would have hammered most opponents that night. Its also Durans own fault for not being in perfect shape for the rematch. Leonard beats Duran IMO if they are both at their best.

Don't distort Sugars words, and turn them into your lies. Duran gets no pass for the rematch loss. He fought in N.O, in front of Leonards crowd this time and quit. Duran didn't fight like he was out of shape. Sugar Ray Leonard-"My intention was to fight Duran asap because i knew Durans habits i knew he would indulge himself, eat gain 40-50 pounds and have to sweat it off to make 147 that was my plan from day 1". Those words came straight out of Leonard's mouth.

By Sugar Ray Leonard's own admission he fought Duran when he was out of shape. Don't distort Sugars words, and turn them into your lies. Duran gets no pass for the rematch loss. He fought in N.O, in front of Leonards crowd this time and quit. Duran didn't fight like he was out of shape.

You are so right. But people ride with Durans excuse in the rematch. That annoys me too. By Sugar Ray Leonard's own admission he fought Duran when he was out of shape.

IMHO if we repeat their fights a few times, Duran may get the first fight but Leonard will catch up on what style to use vs Duran and suceeding fights would just be more advantageous for SRL...

If that's the case, why didn't he force him to fight in the 2 other fights? Duran is a great fighter and that's why he beat Ray the 1st time. But lets be honest, Ray fought Duran's fight and still made it close and exciting. When Ray made him fight his fight the 2nd time, Duran quit. The third fight happened to late to mean anything. Leonard refused it when they were still in their primes. It didn't seem like the same Duran in the second fight. I don't see Leonard being able to dance in the first fight with that kind of pressure Duran was putting on him.

Why do people act like Duran dominated the 1st fight or Leonard dominated the 2nd???both were very close

I'd favor Duran and it annoys me when people say that Leonard made the mistake of trying to fight Duran. He didn't have a choice. You are so right. But people ride with Durans excuse in the rematch. That annoys me too.

He wanted to prove it badly, but Leonard said he would never fight him again. Leonard didn't accept a third fight until Duran was way past it. I disagree with the mobility part, but even if we assumed you're right and Duran "failed to adapt" for the second fight mentally, what makes you think Duran wouldn't have adapted by the third time? Duran beat Leonard when they each knew nothing of each other, and had to figure things out by thinking in the ring. Leonard needed a second try to figure out Duran (if you believe that Duran was in the same shape, which I don't). Duran was pretty smart and slick himself, and could have altered his style to bring something different to the third fight too. Leonard never wanted to find out himself though, and for good reason...A lot of.speculation here. Leonard didn't NEED a second time to beat Duran. Boxing has rematches. Duran wasn't going to turn down big money just to one up Leonard, lmao. There are no excuses when you enter that ring. This 'Duran was out of shape' excuse is pure speculation. Duran had to maintain his intensity, and raise his game again to beat leonard again and he couldn't. He quit, and it wasnt because of cramps. Duran didn't adapt. I don't really count fight 3 as a fight because both were past it, but Leonard again won by boxing. This 'Leonard never wanted to find out himself though 'statement is subjective, and more of a retaliation to what I said. Duran fought at a high level against Leonard, and earned legendary props for that win. Don't credit and then give Duran an excuse for winning and losing fights 1 & 2. That aint kosher.

Leonard wins, he lost the first fight because he let Duran get in his head with all stuff he said about Leonard's wife. Leonard did not box him like he should have and played right into Duran's hand. Leonard isn't a brawler, he can only win if he sticks and moves. not with tommy hearns

My thinking as well. If that's the case, why didn't he force him to fight in the 2 other fights? Duran is a great fighter and that's why he beat Ray the 1st time. But lets be honest, Ray fought Duran's fight and still made it close and exciting. When Ray made him fight his fight the 2nd time, Duran quit.

I'd favor Duran and it annoys me when people say that Leonard made the mistake of trying to fight Duran. He didn't have a choice. My thinking as well.

Perhaps the Duran of the first fight was the Duran of the second fight til a few rounds passed and Leonard still refused to trade, simply outboxing Duran.