Sugarboy Malinga didn't do bad at Supermiddle. Beating Benn, taking Eubank to a close decision, beat Robin Reid. Leonard on the other hand struggled with Hearns and came out of beating Duran with a load of stitches.. I know there s a gulf in talent here but any chance for the Sugarboy??
I wonder how good Sugar Boy Malinga would have been if he'd been based in America and turned pro a bit younger. Malinga was at least 40 when he finally won the title.
Malinga was damn hard to look good against. Good jab, tight defence and willing to adopt a cautious yet effective game plan and stick to it. Only Jones really solved his style at Malingas best and it took Roy a few rounds to do so despite being on top. Talentwise you’d pick SRL but he really was unaccomplished at the weight. A drained Lalonde in a BS catchweight fight and a gift over Hearns was all she wrote for Ray at 168. Gun to head I’d pick Leonard but if Malinga confused and outpointed him I wouldn’t be shocked either.
I know people will see the name Sugar Ray Leonard and some naturally look at the record of both and think no chance, but as you say it's not impossible. Leonard wasn't showing Greatness at super middle if we're honest. He comes in, takes Malinga very lightly.. He could well find himself dropped and knocked about.