Whos better Leonard or Duran

[Panamaniac]

I can't believe you counted all of that. I guess it's cool since he is your favorite.

Anyways, did Leonard actually say that, or is that just your speculation?

I don't know for a fact that Leonard said that, although it's conceivable. He did say, however, that Duran was his toughest oponent ever. I merely speculate that given Leonard's objectivity, he would not let ego impair is judgement.

[Fox McCloud]

I don't know for a fact that Leonard said that, although it's conceivable. He did say, however, that Duran was his toughest oponent ever. I merely speculate that given Leonard's objectivity, he would not let ego impair is judgement.

I've never heard a fighter say another fighter is better than him. Only once have I heard a fighter say that they lost a fight (at least one that wasn't a shutout) and that was Glen Johnson in the 2nd Tarver fight. Don't be so sure that Leonard would say that, even if he believes it so. However, the fact that he said the 2nd Hearns fight was not a draw gives more credence to your argument, so I don't know.

[Panamaniac]

I've never heard a fighter say another fighter is better than him. Only once have I heard a fighter say that they lost a fight (at least one that wasn't a shutout) and that was Glen Johnson in the 2nd Tarver fight. Don't be so sure that Leonard would say that, even if he believes it so. However, the fact that he said the 2nd Hearns fight was not a draw gives more credence to your argument, so I don't know.

I am not sure. I was merely giving Leonard the benefit of the doubt; that he was secure enough in his own place in boxing lore to give Duran his just due.

[Brandish]

Yes that is true, but the fact remains that Leonard DID beat Duran. And Duran should be ranked higher than Leonard, but it doesn't mean he beats him. ATG ranking is based on accomplishments, and Duran had more accomplishments than Leonard, but he couldn't beat him. So in conclusion, Duran is greater, Leonard is better.

wrong, I love when you guys try and justify your crap. please list durans accomplishments as compared to leonards. and before you answer go back and read pages 10-13 of this thread.

[Easton Assassin]

I only ask this question because when ever I see alltime p4p lists leonard is always rated higher even when boxing analysis talk about these two fighters they almost always rate leonard higher. I mean duran started out at feather weight and beat leonard at his best weight. It seems like they give more credit to leonard in winning the second fight, In which I thought leonard kinda used dirty tactics. As far as accomplishments he should be rated much higher than leonard even the there both alltime greats. Even though he was knocked out at middel weight by thomas hearns he won a suppermiddle weight against iran barkley who knocked out thomas hearns in there first fight. As far as accomplaments you could say he the p4p best fighter ever. Alot of people say sugar ray robinson is p4p number one but I think duran fought better competition through out his career, And I just think leonard was a little overrated.

Leonard=smarter,Faster,better technically.

Duran=More heart,power,warriors mentality.

overall i like duran better- he came to fight always!!!

[EMPOROAR]

Leonard was a top 5 fighter all time.
Duran was a top 5 fighter all time.

I give the edge to Duran.

[The Noose]

Some would say that Leonards greatest victories were all questionable;

He was beaten by former lightweight Duran, then Duran quit in the rematch.
He was soundly outboxed both times by Hearns, but won the first because Hearns was tired.
He only fought Hagler when Hagler was old and slow.

Not that i believe any of that ****!

Duran was a top 3 lightweight of all time.
And had major success fighting bigger men way above his weight after his prime.

Personally im a huge Duran fan, but Leonards achievements were very special.

[EMPOROAR]

Leonard was special...but what Duran did to Leonard the first time...Barkley and Moore. Were simply special. Out of this world. He is a lock for the best lightweight of all time, IMO. Top 5 fighter.

[The Noose]

Leonard was special...but what Duran did to Leonard the first time...Barkley and Moore. Were simply special. Out of this world. He is a lock for the best lightweight of all time, IMO. Top 5 fighter.

Yea, but Leonard clearly chose to fight Durans fight in their first match. All credit to Duran, but Leonard showed what he could do in the rematch (eventhough Duran quit).
The Moore fight was just Duran on form beating up a very inexperienced young fighter. It doesnt compare to Leonard beating Hearns or Benitez. IMO.


But, Duran was a ****in badass at Lightweight. When he fought Leonard he was 71-1. Thats impressive.
By the time he finally retired he was 103 (70 KO) and only 16 loses. All but one coming after his prime at much higher weights.

It comes down to utter domination at one division, and several big wins at higher weights. = Duran
Versus a handleful of big big victories over ATGs. = Leonard.

[EMPOROAR]

Your first argument bugs me. Did Ray Leonard voluntarily fight the wrong fight? No. That's ******. Duran rang his bell early in round two. So it only makes sense that Ray had no choice but to fight Duran's fight because he had trouble keeping up with the older man and only when Roberto slowed down (he was getting up there in age and the extra weight was slowing him down) was leonard able to get back into the fight and win some close rounds.

For the rematch, Duran wasn't in fighting shape and is confirmed by Randy Gordon so I give Ray as much credit for winning that fight as Lennox lewis for beating Oliver McCall due to a nervous breakdown in the ring. For any of the leonard fans who are dissatisfied with the results of the rematch because of Duran's walking away, i say to them the rematch didn't have to wait nine years.