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The thing is this - SRL beat Hearns and Benitez but struggled a lot in those fights. Both great fighters in their own right, but let's look at WHY those fights were difficult. Benitez was tough because he had great defense and movement (Not like Floyd, but still very good) and Hearns was able to outbox him for long stretches of the fight. Yes that was in part because of his length, but also because he had a lot of skill and a great ring IQ. The reason I say Floyd wins is because he would pose these exact same problems, but even more so. He's the hardest person to hit in boxing history, and also has the best IQ and the most pure boxing skill. Ray was bigger and hit harder, but that alone doesn't win a fight by any means. It's not like he was a concussive knockout puncher either. De La Hoya was a lot bigger and hit harder than Floyd, but still struggled badly to land punches. Everyone did.
I do think it's a close fight because Ray did have a lot of skill and heart but Floyd would've got in his head and made him fight his fight. Just like Duran got under his skin and made him fight irrationally, Floyd would do the same. Even if you disagree you gotta admit it's a close fight (If not ask yourself - Was Wilfred Benitez better than Floyd?). A lot of people get starry eyed when it comes to the great fighters of the past and forget that they had flaws too. In all honesty if we're talking that era Hagler probably would give him the most trouble because of his relentless pressure style. Hearns too but Floyd had a better ring IQ and more skill than all these guys.
I do think it's a close fight because Ray did have a lot of skill and heart but Floyd would've got in his head and made him fight his fight. Just like Duran got under his skin and made him fight irrationally, Floyd would do the same. Even if you disagree you gotta admit it's a close fight (If not ask yourself - Was Wilfred Benitez better than Floyd?). A lot of people get starry eyed when it comes to the great fighters of the past and forget that they had flaws too. In all honesty if we're talking that era Hagler probably would give him the most trouble because of his relentless pressure style. Hearns too but Floyd had a better ring IQ and more skill than all these guys.
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