Ray Robinson v Ray Leonard

I wasnt really using it as an example I was just saying Leonard was beaten by what was essentially a smaller man who had his best years at a lower weight whereas the only loss Robinson suffered in a much longer career at the top of that weight was against LaMotta, a man he beat 6 times to 1 (I think). I think Robinson is much stronger, speed similar. I see a high punch output by both men but Robinson's punches being the more meaningful until he begins wearing Leonard down and taking him out from the mid to late rounds.

 

Not saying you didnt...just saying that what both guys have shown lead most people to the conclusion that one wasnt dramatically better then the other. Thats just what Ive observed.

 

I'm not doubting Robbo's awesome power, but Leonard had a cast iron chin.

 

No, he did not have a cast iron chin.

A fighter with cast iron in his chin would have go spaghetti legs on Geraldo or Duran. Would not hit the floor against Howard; he was only 27.

This is all bull****. I too am surprised by all the talk of this being a close fight. Robinson stops the imposter between rounds 8 and 12 for the honor of his name.

There can only be ONE Sugar Ray

 

Here he is. :tired We'll just have to disagree on this one.


PS: The only think I ever remember agreeing with redrooster on is that Hagler would beat Hopkins. He barely ever gives Leonard any credit whatsoever, rather like Zakman's anti Lewis rants.

 

This is the only time I've ever agreed with him personally. First time for everything I suppose.

 

I actually see this as being a fight where every single round is close and debatable barring maybe 3/4. Both would have to have immense respect for each others ability and I think whoever came out on top....the other fighters set of fans would have a case for victory as well!!!

There is no division where a fight between the (general consensus) top 2, would be so easily one by one person, and I don't see that changing here.

In fact I think most would agree that the top 2 in any division would share victories should they fight enough times. Robinson...as great as he was, is only human and is not massively superior to the 2nd greatest WW in history IMO.

Leonards way of figuring opponents out is underrated.

Cracking match-up!!!

 

That should tell you something!!! :hey

Basildon just around the corner from me.

 

I suppose it wouldn't be a blowout, but Leonard doesn't stand much of a chance of winning.

Those who say this is the most evenly matched welterweight matchup are way off the mark. Robinson is in a different class. He was a better puncher, a better boxer, a better ring general, and had a better chin. No way would Robinson find himself in the situation Leonard did against Duran or Hearns. Duran dominated Leonard. Duran-Robinson is a more competitive matchup at 147 than Leonard-Robinson. Had it been Robinson who had Hearns in trouble in the sixth round, Hearns very likely would not have seen the seventh. Leonard couldn't keep Tommy on the hook, and Tommy is not the keenest fighter when in trouble.

Leonard's chin was okay. He was only stopped once, on his feet, when he was in his forties. He was knocked down by Howard, Hearns, LaLonde, and Norris, so clearly he was no Hagler. But Robinson found himself on the floor from time to time, too, and we all agree that he had a hell of a chin.

The problem for Leonard is not his chin. The problem for Leonard is facing the greatest boxer who ever lived who was at his very best at 147 lbs.

 

On more thing. I am not surprised by all the people who believe this would be a close fight. Leonard is extremely overrated in this forum.

 

I happen to think the opposite. Are you redrooster's alter ego, by any chance?

 

Oh yeah where abouts are ya?

 

Its amusing when you try to drum up instances of Leonard being chinny: the Howard fight - his first fight back after a long layoff, Geraldo - a much bigger man, and Duran??? Duran would've stopped all but a handful of welterweights that night. Meanwhile, you criminally overrate your latest love interest, Norris, who happens to be arguably the most chinny good fighter of all time.

 

You were smart not to fall for the iron chin talk. I don't see how anyone in their right mind would say this fight is close to the end.

This fight would be hell for Leonard. My only question is what kind of concessions would he demand of Robinson.

As for the fight itself, SRL won't be able to stand the pressure once the action heats up. Leonard is used to those slow paced contests with Benitez where he can calmly circle and look for openings, trade jabs.

But Robinson brings a whole other dimension and level of difficulty to a fight. Hen would know it would be a mistake to let his opponent box at his usual leisurely pace and proceed to turn up the heat.

Leonard would have his chin severely tested in a contest fraught with PERIL and quite frankly, I wouldn't put my money at risk that he makes it thru a full 15.

Look what happened in the first Duran fight the first time he was tagged. It was only the second round and already he was backpeddling looking for a place to cover up. Shades of the Terry Norris fight!

Who said he had an iron chin?

Leonard would make it close the first few rounds but once SRR tags him clean to the head he will capitalize and tear into him with ferocity. Once hurt, he won't let him off the hook and won't allow him rest.

No mercy and no rest!!

Leonard knows there is no escape and bows to the inevitable.