Robinson would win. Too much power, too good of footwork to cut off Ray when he decides to move. Ray does have the better jab, but Robinson will figure him out and break him down to a late TKO.
robinson ability in his prime to counter and fight going in almost any direction would have helped here a lot Robinson could deal with anything Leonard bring to the table speed Robinson fought the great kid gavilan and Sammy angott who had tremendous speed and he beat them multiple times, power Robinson took the best off artie Levine, Carmen basilio and graziano all of theme had respected power, Leonard brings no surprises. I see this as a rapier match leonards jab was long, hard, fast and very accurate robinson didn't carry the same pop but he used his jab more constantly throwing three jabs instead of one all the time he'd throw that nimble jab into the opponents face I think Robinson could out jab leonard while they battled on the outside in the inside fighting moments I think leonard superior speed will give him the advantage and he would win most of these exchanges both have ring intelligence I think its hard to pick who was smarter, I pick Robinson he could always figure out way to beat someone mid fight like he did tommy bell, graziano and gavilan at the end of the night I see Robinson taking the victory in a close tough fight in a 3 fight series Robinson 2, Leonard 1
Ok you're pitting a 47-48 WW Sugar against a 79-81 WW Leonard? (He took his name). What if Leonard fought once a month for his first five years as pro? Any losses? I think so. A 48 Leonard against a 80 SRR? Let's put 'em prime in 65. An interesting fight but if anyone doubts the outcome?...come on. Next thread....
I have no doubt in mind that Leonard would beat Robinson . Robinson is overrated , Great but still overrated .
MUFA$A? The greatest fighter to ever step in the ring overrated? Have you looked at his record? Have you seen the number of fights he fought over a 10+ year as a Welter? Have you considered the era difference? Go back to the General Forum.
I would give Leonard the edge defensively. Robinson had more explosive punching power and their hand and foot speed were very close. Ray Leonard was better on the inside in my opinion. I think this is a tough fight nostalgia aside. Robinson was a little taller and had more range. I would lean towards Robinson but Leonard could beat him on any given night.
Leonard is the better boxer and more text book but you have to give Robinson the edge in toughness, Robinson would not be fading like Tommy Hearns did in the later rounds. This one is too close to call but I think Robinson would eek out that bit extra in this mega fight.