Who was the more skilled boxer, Sugar Ray Robinson or Sugar Ray Leonard?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Ironfox222, Mar 17, 2023.



Most skilled Sugar Ray

  1. Sugar Ray Robinson

    26 vote(s)
    66.7%
  2. Sugar Ray Leonard

    13 vote(s)
    33.3%
  1. Ironfox222

    Ironfox222 Member Full Member

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    Like in terms of Defensive skills, Offensive skills, Footwork, Counter-Punches and Killer Instinct
     
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  2. Fogger

    Fogger Father, grandfather and big sports fan. Full Member

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    I certainly think Leonard had more skills than the 1950s middleweight Robinson. However, much like pre-exile Ali and pre-welterweight Duran, the pre-middleweight Robby was a boxer of unique greatness. The problem is that 1940s welterweight Robinson isn't on a whole lot of film so it is tough to gauge.

    From what I have heard from people who saw both men fight (my dad and his friends) and from what I've read from writers who've seen both fight in person I'm going to give the offensive skills and counter punch edge to SRR. I also have SRR as having a tad bit better defensive skills. I've got the footwork even and, to my way of thinking, Ray Leonard had the best killer instinct in the history of boxing.

    For me, Robinson is the more skilled fighter.

    To add another note to this, other than Muhammad Ali, Ray Leonard is the smartest fighter I've ever seen. I think Robinson beats Leonard but if the fight is close going into the 13th round I think Leonard would find a way to pull out the win.
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2023
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  3. C.J.

    C.J. Boxings Living Legend revered & respected by all Full Member

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    The REAL Sugar Ray Mr Robinson
     
  4. Boxing GOAT

    Boxing GOAT Active Member Full Member

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    Robinson. This is the consensus among most coaches, fans, and fighters who have seen both men compete.
     
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  5. Showstopper97

    Showstopper97 The Icon Full Member

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    SRR VS SRL Comparison:

    Power: Robinson
    Speed: Even
    Jab: Even
    Defence: Leonard
    Offence: Robinson
    Technical Ability: Leonard
    Ring IQ: Even
    Versatility: Robinson
    Ring Generalship: Leonard

    (3 SRR, 3 SRL, 3 Even)

    They're pretty evenly matched in different areas, but I think overall the edge would go to SRL as I feel he was a bit more polished with his punches & was good at stealing rounds to convince the judges & fans.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2023
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  6. GoldenHulk

    GoldenHulk Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I'[m also hoping there won't be any more Sugars in the future. Robinson, Leonard, Sugar Ray Seales, Sugar Shane Mosely, I think the nickname should be retired.
     
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  7. RockyJim

    RockyJim Boxing Addict Full Member

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    SRR...He could "out box" the boxers...and "out punch" the punchers...
     
  8. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    SRR by far.
     
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  9. Drew101

    Drew101 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Robinson on offense, Leonard on defense.
     
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  10. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Both Sugars could do that.
     
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  11. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    That's the only way I think we can decide this one. Really tough one to call.
     
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  12. Drew101

    Drew101 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    The margins between the two in pretty much any category are wafer thin, aren't they?
     
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  13. Terror

    Terror free smoke Full Member

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    Leonard by a fair margin in boxing skill. I think he was far more fundamental and technically compact offensively. Robinson would sweep and swing a lot and had a lot more unorthodox techniques. Defensively, I think both guys were pretty hittable, but Ray Robinson was probably the most hittable guy in the top 10 ATG list.
     
  14. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yep totally spot on post.
     
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  15. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Skills and physicality are about even.
    I'd say experience would be the biggest
    difference and where I'd favor Robinson
    by the country mile.