Tito vs Sugar Ray Leonard at 154

A prime sugar ray would win quite comfortably.

 

I do believe you're talking directly out of your ass Longhorn.

 

Dude, Tito and Sugar Ray are 2 of my 3 favorite fighters of all time (Holyfield being the 3rd), but Tito wouldn't stand a chance......

Ray would turn Tito and make his plodding style look horrible........Sugar Ray could probably "outfight" Tito if he chose to on his terms. The ABSOLUTE worse style for Tito to face:verysad

 

At 147, I believe Ray would easily outbox Tito to a comfy UD.....but at 154 I'm not so sure. Honestly, it's a tossup.

 

I just dont see how the jump makes much of a difference...Leonard fought at the weight, he looked pretty good against a very tricky fighter.
After a hiatus he fought even higher and still looked remarkable.

I think Tito was better at 147..very good at 154 but I dont think he improved or anything..he didnt exactly regress but his better wins were at 147.

So it seems weird how Leonard would comfortably defeat an arguably better version of Tito but its all of a sudden a toss up if both stack on 7 pounds..:huh

 

The reason I think that is because, being that 147 is Ray's natural weight, he would be quicker, sharper and more elusive. At 154, I think he catches more of Tito's punches, which could get him in trouble. I see it going down to a decision either one could take.

 

Ray by late stoppage. Too much of what troubles Tito (speed, lateral movement, ring generalship). Also too much of what troubles anyone Leonard fought, power punching to the head and body. Don't think Tito ever felt a left hook to the liver like Ray could deliver.

 

raay would just outbox tito and maybe get a 8th round KO/TKO

 

There would be no difference at all between a fight at 147 and a fight at 154. People just don't know what they're talking about.

 

I agree.

Generally the top 147 lbs fighters of the early 80's (meaning Leonard, Hearns, Duran, Benitez), beat the ones that followed since then. You could make some interesting matchups, where the latter could win ie" Oscar v Benitez maybe. But overall I think a pretty much clean sweep for the early 80's guys.

Re: Leonard v Tito what Natonic said, Ray is too much for Tito. I don't think 147 or 154 would matter.

 

Getting a bit of a high opinion of yourself there, Pea.

 

Trinidad is far too static, and presents a readily and available target for Leonard. He doesn't have Hearns' flowing, accurate, and authoritive jab at long range while coming forward. If Leonard decided to move around the perimeter of ring showing respect for Trinidad's power, ala like he did against Hearns, then Trinidad would struggle to score on him. Mainly because he wasn't as quick on his feet as Hearns at closing the distance, and he also wasn't as speedy when getting off with punches.

I don't think Leonard shows a lot of lateral movement or implements a gameplan based exclusively on defense against Trinidad. He would be within range, circling in the centre of the ring, and generally keeping Trinidad from getting set. Leonard's jab wasn't among the elites, however it was a handy weapon indeed. He'd need it to keep Trinidad occupied at long range, although not necassarily busy with it to put on a complete boxing display. He'd pounce once he seen the opportunity to so, step inside, and bounce left hooks off Trinidad's ribs and chin. Speed of hand and foot would be the key reasons for Leonard winning.

Two smart fighters. Trinidad is certainly a patient stalker who isn't wasteful with his punches. He only strikes when he feels the time is right. Leonard had the same attitude and smartness, but his whole style was entirely different and far more adaptable. More multi dimensional in virtually everything he done.

 

The Leonard that stopped Ayub dismantles the Trinidad that fought Vargas in a lopsided decision, maybe a late TKO.

 

Actually, Tito was at his best at welterweight too. Tito's footwork became more ponderous as he moved up in weight. He'd earn Ray's respect with his power which means Ray wouldn't be careless with him. That would give Tito very little shot. I think the Ray who fought Kalule (you can't seriously think Ray was anywhere near prime against Norris?) could stop Tito late.

 

Tito doesn't have the footwork/lateral movement to hang with SRL. He was also dropped quite often during his career, and SRL was one of the best finishers.