First of all this is my first post, so I'd like to say a big hello to this community I've been looking on this forum for quiete some time now and have finally made a account. I have recently just gotten my hands onto a Sugar Ray Leonard career set on DVD. I believe I know a significant amount about his career. I have seen his major victories- over Hagler, Hearns, Duran and Benetiz. I know just how amazing these victories where. My question is- how was the rest of SRL's resume? How good was Andy Price, Davey Boy Green, Larry Bonds, Kalule, Ranzany, Geraldo, Chiaverini? Are these guys run of the mill contenders, or are any of them maybe something a bit above that? How strong was the 147 division at the time, besides the 4 kings? I would just like a little more background on these opponents before watching the fights. Many thanks
First, welcome aboard! As to Leonard's resume, I think it's about as good as any contender would want leading up to Benitez. It worked for him, obviously, as he beat Benitez, so there was value in what his handlers did. They tried to gradually expose him to a variety of styles like slicksters (Price), boxer-punchers (Ranzany), bigger, rougher types who could take it and still be in his face after a few rounds (Marcotte, Geraldo). All these were quality fighters and any other fighter building experience would be praised for the breadth and depth of this series of fights leading to their first title bout.
Thank you :good I have just seen his fight with Armando Muniz and it was a very good one, Muniz had a few good moments and made it tough
Apparently he lost a controversial one to Napoles. I'll have to check that out. Napoles was such a smooth fighter to watch, so technical.
Welcome! Solid, respectable opponents who had their moments but generally limited, run-of-the-mill guys, in my opinion. Those fights are mostly interesting because they show Leonard's versatility.
The second knockdown against Daniel Gonzalez was so unnecessary, terrible stoppage. I wish I could send links, apparently I have to wait 60 days :/
I think it must also be noted that NO fight is easy; at least not until one has beaten that fighter. These fighters are living, breathing beings with dreams/aspirations of their own.
Yes, I recently saw that first Napoles fight. Worth watching. Absolute disgrace. Muniz was essentially DQ'ed for having the temerity to beat the hometown guy in front of his own people. Just a travesty. He beat him to a pulp and they decided he'd been fouling Naploes somehow. The partisan crowd roared appreciatively as if their man had actually done something to earn the win. Napoles was old and a bit of a drunk by then, but showed his mettle by decisively beating Muniz in a return match.
4 all time greats scalps, (Duran,Hagler,Hearns ,Benitez ) quite a few vey goods (Bond,Kalule,Price,the 1st Mayweather, Lalonde,) in a limited time span, speaks for itself. In my opinion 1A at welter with Robinson being 1 because of the longevity of his career and every old timer who laid eyes on him say he was that special( the Arcels,Dundees,Futch) of the world, men not given to over exaggerations.
uncletermite was a non stop newbie poster on this forum that most here hated not too long ago, then he got banned or something and everybody was happy :rasta