Monzon vs Sugar Ray Leonard @ MW

I would have ridiculed this post, but have since been enlightened to your analytical cunning as displayed on the Hagler vs. Mayweather thread over on General:

:rofl

 

:rofl As much as I don't agree that Leonard could pull out a late stoppage, DonBoxers posting is absolutely abysmal.

Kalambay>Floyd :deal

 

Monzon by a tko somewhere between the 11th and 13th. He was too big, strong, and, for no better word to describe him...different...from anyone SRL was accustomed to dealing with in his career. Ray, for all his flashy brilliance, would lose this long range war of smarts against a very cool, rough customer in Monzon.

 

atsch

 

Here, here. Leonard would win his share of early rounds but Monzons size and individual qualities would sweep the majority of the latter rounds. I'd think Monzon by competitive but definite decision. Leonard could have probs with the 15 at 160 tho so he could well pressure him late.

 

I can see a competitve fight...

Leonard has the ability to do things against Monzon that most (if not all) of his title opponents could not, and that is the ability to throw counters to what Monzon does offensively. Rumsfeld recently had an Emanuel Steward in which he talked about Leonard's timing and how he was able to counter Thomas Hearns' right hand with a left hook. Leonard's speed would allow this to a certain extent, especially if Monzon fully committed to throwing a right hand and put his weight more onto the front foot with the follow through...this would provide Leonard with opportunites to score. Also Monzon did not like to fight guys who moved away from him ie Licata,Bouttier(1st fight, have not seen the rematch)Leonard's movement would trouble Monzon's rhythym and establishing his left jab to the extent in which he preferred.

With all of that said however, Leonard has a huge obstacle in front of him. Monzon's overall length and physical strength would have been a wearing factor on the smaller man. Also Leonard cannot fully hurt Monzon, he can get his attention, but not really hurt him to the point of getting his full respect. Leonard experienced problems with Hearns' height and reach, and those same problems would exist here against Monzon. Although Monzon isn't a fast as Hearns his timing is excellent, and his leaning back from punches would make it difficult for Leonard to reach him.

People say that since Monzon was able to brutalize Napoles in the fashion he did it makes a fight with Leonard fall into the same pattern...Not at all. Napoles despite his skill set almost always comes forward, in that regard, Leonard is more versatile, so I don't see a stoppage occuring. But it's Monzon by decision for me.

 

Ray mastered Hagler psychologically, even getting Marv to mimic his showboating in the closing moments. Nobody ever does that to to the icy Monzon though, certainly not SRL. Ray spotted Hearns an insurmountable lead in 1981, and was able to come back to stop Tommy. Carlos isn't Hearns though. He wouldn't crack.

Monzon by non controversial UD.

 

Agreed. Monzon's icy stare would really come into play vs. Robinson for instance, and I can see him taking Hopkins' heart by beating him in a rap battle. H2H GOAThood secured right there.

 

I think this is a 50/50 propisition. Monzon was used to feasting on fighters smaller than him while Leonard fought a few good fighters bigger than himself. The size difference isn't that great either. Leonard is faster of hand and feet and hit harder than many think. Monzon was bigger and probably stronger but what other obvious advantages does he have? Both could absorb punishment, both had the will to win and both were solid fundementally speaking. This could come down to speed and athleticism and lets face it, Ray has the edge here. This reminds me in a way of Robinson/Maxim only I don't see Ray collapsing in an air conditioned arena. Give Monzon more speed and it's a lock. He doesn't have it so I say pick 'em.

 

Actually, I was referring to his icy, homicidal, soulless, terminator heart.

 

I lean toward Monzon in this one. BUT (apologies on stealing your suntax Mr. Bill), does anyone think Leonard could do significant damage to the body with that left hook?

 

Where Briscoe couldn't?