Quiz: Which non heavyweight fight was the first $1m plus payday for each combatant?

[Bennyleonard99]

Who were the two non heavyweights who both earned over $1m for a title fight in which they fought each other? I'd be surprised if anyone gets this.

[Willie Pep 229]

Leonard-Duran I ?

[Anomalocaris]

Leonard-Duran I ?

That would be my first thought too.

[benplace]

Wilfred Benítez and Sugar Ray Leonard?

[elfag]

IDK but I am also betting SRL is in it

[elfag]

Wilfred Benítez and Sugar Ray Leonard?

This is probably it

Benitez earned $1.2 million while Leonard netted $1 million, making their fight the richest non-heavyweight bout in boxing history at the time.^[4]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfre...ar_Ray_Leonard

1979

[Bennyleonard99]

Wilfred Benítez and Sugar Ray Leonard?

Winner. Kind of surprising Wilfred Benitez is part of this historic landmark achievement. Riding the coattails of the SRL Franchise.

SRL was the face of boxing back then. Now it makes sense why it was so important that he had to win the No Mas rematch, likely with a little help from his friends.

If Duran beat SRL twice in a row, there is no Four Kings era. SRL was the key factor.

[Willie Pep 229]

Winner. Kind of surprising Wilfred Benitez is part of this historic landmark achievement. Riding the coattails of the SRL Franchise.

SRL was the face of boxing back then. Now it makes sense why it was so important that he had to win the No Mas rematch, likely with a little help from his friends.

If Duran beat SRL twice in a row, there is no Four Kings era. SRL was the key factor.

Interesting 'What if . . ."

Duran beats Leonard twice. Duran makes millions fighting Hearns. Hearns too big for Duran. Leonard beats Hearns and is back on track for greatness. If he wants it.

It should only push the Hearns fight back two years from '81 to '83.

A second defeat is OK so long as he stays upright. Another tight decision loss, he can recover from. Especially if Hearns removes Duran from the equation, for him.

? Can Duran handle a 147 Hearns differently

? Would Duran have self-destructed eventually, anyway, against Hearns or elsewhere. I believe Duran was bound for trouble once he became a million dollar fighter, regardless.

Good 'What if'!