This fight couldve happened in 88 if Leonard werent so anxious to vacate Sumbu was on an impressive tear (until his chin ran into Nunn's left) But Leonard looked sharper. Sumbu cant hurt Leonard. Can he still win on pts?
I like Kalambay in just about every aspect here. Naturally bigger and probably stronger, more technically well-rounded and (perhaps most importantly) better stamina. No way Leonard could take time-off like he did against an ageing Hagler. Kalamaby's jab was one of the sharpest and most consistent ever. It would pepper him through-out the fight. Leonard would have to fight something similar to what McCallum did in the Kalambay rematch. Not follow Kalamaby around, but instead wait in the middle of the ring for Kalambay to lead. Just doubt he was sharp enough at this point to carry that off succesfully.
With all due respect, the fight was never on the table. Why on earth would Leonard risk fighting someone who had virtually zero name recognition in the States and was going to make life very hard even if Ray won? Leonard was not fighting enough to be 'sharp' IMO. If the fight had happened in 88, Ray would have to try and keep in the fight by fighting in eye catching bursts, hoping a combination of favourable judging, being the 'name fighter' and Kalambay being unnerved by being involved in what would of been a 'superfight' level bout could get Ray the close decision.