Two of the most marvelous lightweights who ever entered a ring were separated by a mere generation. Who would you pick at their respective peaks over 15 rounds? What were the most telling performances that would lead you to pick one, either in a win or a loss? Vote. And vote hard.
Probably the textbook definition of a 50-50 fight, I guess Leonard's style was more comparable to modern boxers but Gans' style was still a thing of beauty. He's the only guy I've seen make that arched back style that Fitzsimmons has work. Constantly feinting and moving, the accuracy and timing of his punches, the effortless punch anticipation and head movement. Gans is truly unique. I genuinely can't make a pick.
I remember reading somewhere that the about Gans not consistently being in shape and Benny being religiously in shape. Both were incredible, and I think Gans was probably the more natural talent, but Benny's dedication more often than not would give him the advantage. Respect both fighters tremendously though. Named my two sons after them. Lol
According to my dad, Benny Leonard was the best lightweight he ever saw …… until Roberto Duran came along. I am going to trust my dad and go with the Ghetto Wizard by decision.
Such a bizarre request. I voted Leonard by decision, though full disclosure, I was flacid at the time.
Whilst highly irregular, it is your thread, so I respect the conditions of valid votes are yours to define. I shall pop on a Nigella Lawson cookery instruction video, with my headphones in for added impact (one for the UK posters), after the Mrs has gone bed tonight and then resubmit my vote.
Honestly, I was just hoping it got more response than the current Francois Botha, Shannon Briggs, Povetkin threads that occupy the front page. But there are no bad ideas. You prepare as you see fit!
On film, gans has an unusual (and effective, as historical results show) style, predicated on keeping the weight on the back leg whilst still coming forward, which allows him to bait counter opportunities whilst still having a base for infighting. Great style for super long bouts of the era imo. The one weakness of Gans that I see on film is how low his hand comes after jabbing. There is absolutely no way a technical marvel and speedster like Leonard wouldn't exploit this with a right hand, especially in the more 'modern' 15 rounder. The pace of combinations from the more modern Benny may also trouble Gans - Leonard was a mover who could double and triple jab, for example. How would Gans' more slow paced defense handle this? Benny himself was also very adept inside and had all manner of tricks. He also, as Arcel said, had incredible mental energy which he could actually match Gans with in any ruleset. Leonard has my vote here.
Hi Guys. Going with the consensus, I see Gans, as great as he was, as a old timer, and the few films we have of him, would sort of attest to that, the Fitz, Johnson, stance, of the the right leg bent and at an angle and dragged behind , so to speak, whereas Leonard was the complete all round boxer, I feel him and Tunney bought boxing into another dimension, for sure Corbett was touted as good boxer, but in all the pictures and photos we see of him posing, he also favoured that aforementioned stance, so I believe Benny would outbox the old master, and maybe even stop him at a later stage in the fight, maybe.... Morton Lewis ( the Kids son ) told me that his dad maintained Leonard was the best he faced, and he learnt more in their 8 round draw, than in 100 other fights, high praise indeed. stay safe guys. Mike.