Prime Monzon vs non-roided up Leonard. 15 rounds. Would Monzon just eventually beat Leonard down like he did Napoles?
I can't pick Leonard against Monzon, but I think this could be a close fight...Leonard's evasive footwork, and speed make him a more difficult opponent stylistically than Mantequilla, who went right towards the bigger Monzon...with not so great results. Not sure of size...is Monzon about 2 inches taller, and 2 inches longer reach?...if that's the case, Leonard could reach him with his speed...but with that said, Leonard couldn't hurt Monzon at all. Monzon was unbelievably tough. Addendum: Leonard has tools to work with here, but it's an uphill struggle to pull it off due to size difference, and 15 rounds.
Monzon going away and with a good chance of stopping him late. Monzon imposed his physicality and tilted the ring towards his style of fight. Against Leonard he would be absolutely fearless in following his fight plan in relentless fashion. Leonard liked to engage and disengage. Monzon always found the space between the two to capitalize.
You rank Hagler in his final fight over what we are to assume is a prime Monzon? Damn, brother, do some research.
A prime Monzon would beat Leonard on the night Ray beat Marvin Hagler. Carlos would be too busy and crowd Ray constantly unlike Hagler did. Ray would definitely make a fight of it though. Monzon by close yet convincing decision.
Hagler was still an excellent fighter at that point and I would give him a good shot vs any version of monzon.
Erm, no he wasn't. Which is exactly why Leonard picked that time to fight him. The only way Leonard wins this fight ( v Monzon ) is if it is held in his hometown, and all 3 judges are also residents of said town.
have to agree. Love Sugar Ray but Monzon is too tall, hits really hard and has too much endurance to lose to Leonard especially over a 15 rounder.