This would have been a fascinating fight at Welterweight. Curry could definitely match Leonard on the outside and possibly hit harder. Leonard was better on the inside though and had the better chin. Both were lightning fast, Leonard probably made the weight easier and I think this would be the telling factor late on in the fight.
Yes. Donald Curry at his best would have made for a good fight with Ray Leonard and I'd still pick Ray to win for similar reasons that you've mentioned.
I think Curry would have been out-jabbed, frankly. I mean obviously lots of other stuff would have happened but I reckon that would be the headline.
I struggle to see what advantage Curry has, period. Leonard is quicker and definitely harder hitting. Leonard had more dimensions to his game and has quicker feet. Leonard is much more intelligent and proven at a higher level. Curry maybe is a better ring general but even that I'm unsure about. If curry does beat Leonard to the punch, Leonard will walk through him.
Two Absolutely Beautiful Chandelier Fighters, They Shine and Sparkle, They Glint and Glow... But Come the Crunch... Don is made of Glass... Leonard on the other Hand was Diamond Hard.. Most of Dons Victims looked like they were going to the Gallows when they met him, But stay Mentally resolute and bring some talent with you, and Don did look a bit Shaky.. Marlon Starling Perhaps could of done Less of the Starling Stomps and a bit more Fighting and made things a bit differant , Marlon was sometimes a Coaster other Times he was Hot..A Toater.. Would Don of BHeaten the Fired up Marlon who would not be denied against Breland ?? I Wonder.. Honeygan of course bought Talent and a Bloody-Mindedness ..A Dirty Industrial Hammer to Trash that Glass Chandelier... As For Leonard.. Dons Spread-Leg Gunfighter Pose will not make Ray Hesitant, Somewhere When Ray Chooses, it will look like The Andy Hawk Pricde Fight, Two smokescreen Jabs from Ray, than the Big Right Hand coming in Behinfd to Unhinge Don... And the Way Leonard could pour it on ..The Curry gets Boiled Pretty Quickly.. Circa 5th (Ray might likesome Showboat Time ?)
Don beat Starling twice Marlon was all business in the second fight as it was for the World title, and Don bested him Also, in his Welterweight prime, Curry was not "made of glass." Yes, Leonard was more durable and would win a decision. But, it would be a competitive fight.
I think Ray takes Don around the 9th round. Curry's chin betrays him, and as good as Donald was, Ray was a different animal. If Jun-Suk Hwong floors this guy, what Ray could do was criminal.
It's funny seeing this thread. I bought a computer simulation game called "Title Bout" this past month and had these two fight for the Undisputed Welterweight title last night. The game had Leonard winning by UD by scores of 117-111, 118-110 and 119-110. I can't say I dispute that. I think they were both fun to watch and had great technique but Leonard was just better.
When did Leonard turn into Superman? Curry can't win a round? Leonard would walk through him? All Leonard's big wins were close affairs, and sometimes controversial. A blown up lightweight manhandled him. A 145lb Hearns was 1.5 rounds from beating him. He might beat Curry but he wouldn't do it easily and he could certainly lose.
Just seems like a bad style matchup for Curry, imo. Doesn't have Hearns' physical gifts or Duran's (who was a full-fledged welterweight by the time he edged out Leonard).
Curry at his best was excellent...But Sugar Ray takes this by decision I think. Maybe a flash KD or two deciding it...I think Curry's speed and defense would initially give Leonard some trouble.