Leonard's decision to rematch a less than full strength Duran

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by tinman, Jun 22, 2020.


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  1. tinman

    tinman Loyal Member Full Member

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    Was it cowardly for Leonard to rematch a Duran well below full strength? Everybody knows Duran became obese after beating Leonard in the 1st fight. By not giving Duran the time to lose weight and get in shape in a healthy and nutritional way he was guaranteeing himself a vastly diminished version of an opponent who had already beaten him.

    Not only did he have the size advantage, but he decided a massive conditioning advantage by forcing Duran to make an unbelievably tough weight cut.

    Note I would never call Leonard a coward, but was this singular act chicken and sissy?
     
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    #1
  2. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Absolutely not.

    Leonard invoked an immediate rematch. What Duran does in between fights is his business.

    This is one of the most ludicrous criticisms I see on this forum.
     
    lufcrazy, Jun 22, 2020
    lufcrazy, Jun 22, 2020
    #2
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  3. tinman

    tinman Loyal Member Full Member

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    Wouldn't it be upstanding to allow a fighter who has ballooned up in weight the opportunity to get in proper fighting shape? Wouldn't a victory over an in shape Duran be a more dignified victory?
     
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    #3
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  4. Toney F*** U

    Toney F*** U Boxing junkie Full Member

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    Well Leonard did win the third fight
     
    Toney F*** U, Jun 22, 2020
    Toney F*** U, Jun 22, 2020
    #4
  5. Toney F*** U

    Toney F*** U Boxing junkie Full Member

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    Exactly, Leonard just wanted a rematch, not his fault Durán couldn’t stay out the fridge
     
    Toney F*** U, Jun 22, 2020
    Toney F*** U, Jun 22, 2020
    #5
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  6. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    nah. Leonard did his part in preparation
     
    mr. magoo, Jun 22, 2020
    mr. magoo, Jun 22, 2020
    #6
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  7. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    No the only person who deserves any form of criticism here is Duran.

    Leonard did exactly what he should, he rematched the man who beat him. Duran had the same opportunity as Leonard to get in and stay in shape.

    If Duran wants to increase weight that's entirely on him.

    Leonard is so far from criticism here. He sought to avenge his defeat, he deserves all the praise in the world.

    Duran didn't have the professionalism, that's entirely on him.
     
    lufcrazy, Jun 22, 2020
    lufcrazy, Jun 22, 2020
    #7
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  8. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Had Leonard not pursued a rematch against the man who made him feel like he was competing with death, and used "Duran has gained too much weight" as a reason to not fight him, then he would be eligible for criticism.

    But immediately rematching the man who beaten him is actually proof of his greatness.
     
    lufcrazy, Jun 22, 2020
    lufcrazy, Jun 22, 2020
    #8
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  9. Berlenbach

    Berlenbach Boxing Addict Full Member

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    It's Duran's fault for not preparing properly (or his management's fault for accepting the fight knowing he couldn't prepare properly), though it says a lot about Leonard's character that he openly brags about doing this.
     
    Berlenbach, Jun 22, 2020
    Berlenbach, Jun 22, 2020
    #9
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  10. salsanchezfan

    salsanchezfan Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    This. The absolutely unconditional Duran love here is nuts.
     
    salsanchezfan, Jun 22, 2020
    salsanchezfan, Jun 22, 2020
    #10
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  11. tinman

    tinman Loyal Member Full Member

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    Nobody is saying don't rematch him. There are saying give the opponent who beat you more time to get in shape so that you can hold your head high when you beat the best version of him.
     
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    #11
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  12. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Amen bro. Duran knew the rematch clause was in the negotiations for the 1st fight. He also knew the last 4 rds in Montreal were close, if he didn't loose them. It was on him to ensure he was ready for fight #2. That he allegedly got fat ( or more excuse making on his part) is his fault.
    And there's no excuse for quitting in a pro fight regardless if he was in top shape or not. Especially since though he was losing, he wasn't getting dominated.
     
    Flash24, Jun 22, 2020
    Flash24, Jun 22, 2020
    #12
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  13. tinman

    tinman Loyal Member Full Member

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    I'm more of a tommy hearns fan so if you want to make a pro Hearns thread be my guest, but when it comes to Leonard/Duran I'm a much bigger Duran fan.
     
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    tinman, Jun 22, 2020
    #13
  14. salsanchezfan

    salsanchezfan Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    You made it pretty clear you're a bigger Duran fan, yes...…..
     
    salsanchezfan, Jun 22, 2020
    salsanchezfan, Jun 22, 2020
    #14
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  15. KeedCubano

    KeedCubano Read my posts in a Jamaican accent Full Member

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    No, it was Duran's fault he ballooned up. No-one elses, Leonard exercising a clause in a contract to avenge a devastating loss (phycologically) is to be commended, if anything.
     
    KeedCubano, Jun 22, 2020
    KeedCubano, Jun 22, 2020
    #15
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