Rank the toughest opponent for Mayweather: Duran, Benitez, SRL, Hearns?

IMO ---Floyd cannot beat Hearns, Leonard or Duran. { a motivated Duran} I love the brawlers but am completely intrigued by a fight with Benitez. Talk about a chess match....I have never seen a defensive display like Benitez against SRL. Ray even admitted " no one makes me miss like that" This was would be better. Both fantastic defensive fighters but offense would win it. Benitez had that sneaky right but I think Floyd would be busier and take a close decision. Not a fight for the casual fan. But I would love to see it.

 

Favor Floyd to beat Benitez. Better chin and ring IQ; and I think that allows Floyd to score a flash KD or two to secure a close win. The other fighters all decision Floyd at the weights listed, provided they're at their best.

 

Was 147?

 

In my opinion, he probably looked the most sharp at 130. But he was still growing and maturing. He only stayed at lightweight for about two years and he never really looked solid there. He spent a full decade at welter and really settled in. That's really where Floyd became the huge star he was.

Duran wasn't as good at 147 as he was at 135, but he was still razor sharp when matched with names like Palomino and Leonard (1). But that didn't last long.

The Duran from Leonard 2 onward loses to a welterweight Floyd, IMO. The Duran who fought Cuevas, Benitez, Moore, Hagler and Laing and even Barkley and Leonard III all lose to Floyd. Mayweather was just too hard to hit at that point, had reached his full strength and would counter him like mad.

Hearns destroys Floyd. So does Leonard. They gritted it out and knocked out light heavyweights. Benitez was stronger at 154 than he was at welter, and better at welter than he was at 140. I don't see Floyd beatting Benitez, either.

But, Floyd would likely beat Duran at welter on up.

 

scrub Jose Castillo beat him but Duran doesn’t? Baloney. Gayweather wouldn’t have the balls to withstand what Duran would bring at his best. Duran TKO 9


Hearns KO’s him with a laser like right in round 4.

Ray Leonard clowns Gayweathers ass then TKO’s him in the 11th

Benitez wins a clear decision and shows what real defensive boxing is , not hugging and running

 

Castillo edged when Mayweather was injured.
Mayweather clearly won the rematch.

I see Floyd outpointing Duran.
We both agree about Hearns.
Floyd can also outpoint SRL.
Benitez is real slick, so it can go either way on points.

 

The Duran that "boxed" Hagler would have a difficult time with Floyd. As cagey as Roberto was----Floyd is a better pure boxer. The animal that fought Moore would be a different story. I have not seen it happen to him....but I believe Duran could rattle Floyd and take the decision.

Again I believe it all depends on motivation, Floyd came to fight every night. With Duran----late or middle of career he was hit or miss. Same for Benitez. Sorry to say I did not follow WB's career early at 140. I appreciated him against SRL but could not fathom his performance against Hamsho. Every athlete has their off nights but a lack of effort is inexcusable. Especially when fighting only 2-3-4 times a year.