Can Ike do what Duran did at 147? I know he can punch with Ray, but can he make him miss 9 straight shots? What's more, can Ray keep Ike off of him?
Gavilan was better than Leonard, in my view, so the fact that Williams defeated Gavilan might speak well of Williams' chances. According to many ringsiders, Williams was the recipient of a gift in his first fight with Gavilan. Gavilan took the early rounds, but his eye was closed by the seventh. Williams dropped Gavilan hard for the count of 8 in the eighth, but Gavilan rose to take the final two rounds. The fact that Williams could knock iron-chinned Gavilan off his feet is telling, and the fight was close. Williams could really punch, and his prime he was a big, strong lightweight. Gavilan beat Williams in the rematch, with Williams heavier and in even better shape than the first encounter. The decision was split, though most felt it shouldn't have been. In their third fight, Gavilan easily defeated Williams. I think Gavilan is the best comparison point because he and Leonard had comparable styles. I don't want to say similar, although there were similarities. I think Williams on his best night enjoys more than a chance. Williams was a helluva fighter, one of the best lightweights ever.
I think Ray stops Ike late, in the ninth round.Ray is another level, especially when it would get near the later rounds.
I saw Ike williams in his LIGHTWEIGHT prime...Best LW I ever saw uncuffed...But Ike was not as effective as a 140-47 pounder as he was as a 135 pound lightweight, therefore I pick Ray Leonard at his natural weight 147, over any weight of Williams. Were Leonard a natural lightweigh, it would be a tossup IMO...
Duran gets a fluke win and too many people act like it was the greatest achevment in human history. Williams > Duran, but he would not beat Leonard.
totally agree :good going back to your first point, the footage i've seen of williams (including the magnificant 2nd beau jack fight) is amazing. far more than a powerful counter puncher, he's a natural athlete with speed, skill and tremendous toughness. at 135, i'd give him a chance against anyone (though benny and roberto would probably win) at 147, i can't say the same.
In Leonard's prime at welterweight,providing he adopted the right tactics,I can't see anyone apart from the original Sugar Ray,beating him.
Ike was a good fighter Burt. Another good one w/ the title on the line who gets little credit was Joe Brown. Very gfood fighter and tough for anyone. My Dad's favorite after the Magnificent Leneir was Tony Canzonari. He would be a superstar in boxing today.