Did you think Duran was gonna bounce back after "No Mas"?

I saw the fight at a theater....closed ciruit(!)....and was a shocked as everyone
when he quit. I thought his career was over...and based on stories about his reception
back in Panama it was true that his fan base thought the same thing. The very thought
that this macho guy would QUIT in a fight was insane. I thought at the time that this was
so against his mindset that he'd jump off a bridge or drink or eat himself to death. The fact that he
did return to the ring and had some great wins showed that he was one of the ATG's.

 

Hearns and Duran were tougher mentally than Ray in away. Ray was more versatile in the ring, but Tommy and Roberto came back regardless of losses. They fought many more times and had full careers almost after Leonard. Not saying they were tougher in the ring, but Ray thought twice after a tough fight. Duran and Hearns brushed themselves off.

 

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that is what I meant. They were more deep down fighters. Leonard was a great talent but was not a real fighter like they were or Hagler. Although look at Hearns face now. his nose is all squashed and his voice slurs. I guess Ray was smarter to get out when he did.

 

I don't know why everyone puts such a big deal on the srl duran 2 fight... Duran partying in new York every night after the first fight, ballooning up to 200 lbs party weight, getting his 8-10 million up front .. first time in history I believe a fighter has gotten that type of money up front.. no way duran was 100 % focused for that fight .. why do you think srl demanded rematch ASAP .. he knew this .. very smart of srl.. I just don't think the focus and motivation was there for him .. other than they hated each other .. he got his money already ,, back to the party for duran .. imo

 

Another great post. Thanks

 

Leonard had all the tough fights first career then retired. He came back later and faced a guy that had not been beaten in forever regardless of his career stage. He took him on without so much as a warm up. A guy that was always a lot bigger fighter naturally. Hagler was still knocking people out, big people.

After that yes he went after titles and a bit of statistical glory with a couple of catch weights. He was still fighting a Hearns who was soon to school Hill, a Duran who had beaten Barkley who had beaten Hearns etc etc.

 

Ray is great no doubt, but his second career was like the whole Floyd career. Handpicking and fights at the right time, The Lalonde thing of two titles in one night was shameful

 

I would agree the Lalonde fight was lame. He'd done it all by then regardless and catchweights aren't unheard of.

 

at that time I never heard of them.. And to have a guy who was champ go down and fight at 168.. He weakened Donny and won two titles instead of one.It was an insult on boxing..

 

Lalonde almost always came in a bit light. SRL actually gave up 7 1/2 pounds which was a fair concession too. Lalonde said he felt great the weight weight and blamed straying from his gameplan. He put forward no weight excuses and the like.

 

he didn't say it at the time, but his brother and many others said he was weak.. Ray just cheated for the two titles just to match Hearns, who won his 5th against Kinchen 3 days before.

 

The others were probably making excuses. Lalonde actually fought extremely well and manned up to the loss. He was something like a 3 1/2 to 1 underdog and gave Leonard quite a scare.

 

EXCELLENT Pea!