Hearns 1. SRL showed everything in that bout. Switching from boxer to slugger, adapting and pulling it out in the 14th against an undefeated monster at 147.
Humbling Duran, Toughing it out against Hearns and I like his fight with Benitez but they weren't the same level of fighter. He has fights against lesser fighters where he looks really good and flashy but a fighters skills are showcased against the greatest adversity otherwise it's really a public execution with extra steps.
Duran 2, Hearns 1, Benitez and Hagler.. I have to say all, but if I had to pick? Wow.. Duran 2.. He fought his fight and learned to be greater than he was... Hearns one was about Tommy getting tired more than Ray in my estimation.
Excellent post. Gun to head: The first Hearns’ fight. However, given the varied qualities, styles and resistance Ray faced and Ray’s own on demand and varied application of himself, I prefer to view his prime performances as a mosaic depicting all that Leonard could be and was. I’ll even include the Brawl in Montreal. Forced to fight Duran’s fight (but in part Ray’s own macho election also) Ray upheld toughness and skills fighting off the ropes under extreme duress that we might not have ever seen. He lost of course but considering he was fighting Duran’s type of fight, his performance was great and he really did stick it to a literally maniacal Roberto who had to fight for all he was worth to ensure his gaining the UD. Any questions before that fight as to pretty boy Ray possibly lacking the mettle of a true ATG were quickly erased in Montreal. If anything, for all that he put into the fight while being in the best possible shape, Roberto might’ve been disheartened that Ray didn’t fold like a cheap tent or at least succumb at some point. Similar success in any rematch down the track was only going to require Roberto to be just as driven and on point as he was in the first fight, at the very least. No mean feat.
I’ve never understood how people romanticise Roberto Duran yet hate and spitefully underrate Leonard. Weird world he was a different breed who did so much for the sport.
Yeah, I’m not sure why but perhaps some see Leonard’s path to success as a media darling, being made easier than for other fighters or they didn’t like his later comebacks and selectivity. Ultimately, could be just the tall poppy syndrome, which describes peoples instinctive need to cut someone down due to their very successes and just because they stand above the rest of the field. Another bemusing observation is that Hearns’ just got tired in their first fight, ignoring the scything body shots Ray put in whenever he got in close. Almost broke Tommy in half at times. Here’s an example of Ray’s said proficiency in an exhibition against a bigger opponent who gets a bit fresh. All fun and games until you overstep the mark and then Leonard has the Eye of the Tiger:- This content is protected
Wasn't in his " ballpark " is a bit overstated me thinks ! Pryor is I would imagine in most pundits top 2/3 at LW obvs an ATG in that weight class , not saying he would have beat SRL, but reckon it would have been a torrid encounter for Ray , where he would be fighting for his life, if pushed for a prediction would go for Ray on points, or a very late stoppage, but ballpark . keep well buddy.
Leonard demonstrated mobility, speed, endurance, and intelligence but I still believe Hagler won this fight and Hagler THE CHAMPION did well enough to earn a draw at the very least.
