Is Leonard Vs Duran I one of the best fights ever, or atleast your top 5?

Most fighters are not as motivated a second time as the first, so I give Duran the benefit of the doubt that maybe he was not as motivated, but I still think Leonard easily beats him. Ray really had his number the second time with the boxing and also the bolo punching stuff. The third fight they knew each other well so Ray didn't have to do any of the bolo stuff. It was just a basic out boxing.

 

I know this isn't the place to put this, but is the Lounge on ESB gone? I lost about 1,000 posts.

 

It seems like it.

Also there are a few other things gone too.

ne[]ws is also a censored word now.

 

I think this sums things up well. I'd only add that Duran was less than his best due to the weight jump and age/decline.

 

I personally don't care for Duran-Leonard I all that much. Too much mauling and grappling. I actually have it pegged for being the most overrated fight in history.

 

Its in my top 10 for sure, possibly top 5, great fight by two prime ATG fighters.

 

Not for me, i think it's a fine fight, but the personnel involved make it more than it is actually was- the event/result magnify its status (like many a big fight, really). I have a simlar viewpoint to Sal earlier- too much grappling and mauling for me too. I wouldn't even say it was the best fight of 1980, so I could hardly give it 'best 5 ever' status.

 

That's true, actually. Saad-Lopez II was that year. Now THAT is top five in my list.

 

Yes, Saad-Yacqui is a war/comeback for the ages. Definitely the better fight.

 

Leonard didnt land an awful lot of anything. He was swinging at air for 15 rounds. One of the great true boxing performances by Roberto Duran. Right in front of Ray Leonard and made him miss all night long.

On the other hand Duran was landing clean shots throughout the fight and had Ray hurt pretty bad at least 3 times.

Good fast fight but not that close or that much suspense. Just a remarkable performance by a legend Duran.

Also a great show of heart and courage by Ray Leonard to take that beating. Not too many Welterweights are taking those punches and lasting the distance.

 

:happy