Don’t apologise for digressing. Very nice post, generously giving your own personal take. I too have viewed boxing as a guilty pleasure. I don’t know if it’s a legit saver, but perhaps it can be partly rationalised as a co-incidence of wants/needs between us fans and the boxers but one that does involve money. But I guess it still boils down to their needing to do, for money, what we want to see and are willing to pay for. I’ve read that many of the great Jewish boxers of the 20s/30s, who obviously fought due to need and desire for money, abjectly refused to their own children go into boxing, instead framing them for careers as doctors, lawyers etc. Their own careers as boxers allowing for sufficient financial security and empowerment for their offspring to pursue safe, academic careers. On to RAY. As much as has already been said. Great fighter, lightning fast, power, IQ, technical boxer and slugger, heart, killer instinct and etc. The complete package. But, as has also already been said, there were manipulations and cherry picking in his latter career but he still brought some great quality to several of his performances. However, those very manipulations and cherry picking might’ve been the lesser of all other possible evils for Ray. We can argue all day long on the legitimacies of his elections and pontifications but what were the alternatives? Ray could’ve stayed retired as at 82 and let his ATG rating rest on what he had achieved to date. OR, Ray could’ve come back and taken fights as and when, without careful selection and control. Had Ray taken this latter option, I think Ray would’ve materially crashed and burned before too long, doing far more damage to his legacy than the reservations we might hold today re his latter career management. IMO, Ray simply didn’t possess the physicality of fighters like Duran, Hearns etc. for a long career with due frequency of bouts. Leonard was such a pure talent that, with decline, he didn’t have a lot to fall back on to. Seeing him stopped by Camacho was sad, like a wizard stripped of all his powers, now just a mere mortal without any substantial physicality to fill the gaps. The victory over Duran in the rematch might be seen as a great “investment” for Ray, growing in value by way of Roberto’s own later, less considerately frames successes. However, I don’t see it that way, particularly given styles makes fights. What Roberto did was what HE did, and very much to his own credit and not necessarily what Ray could’ve managed if he fought the very same opposition at exactly the same time Roberto did.
Ray was one of the greats - not a doubt in my mind. Especially in his prime years which were 1979-82 at the 147 lb limit. H2H I would confidently back him against any welter in history with the possible exception of the original Sugar Ray. Leonard did pretty well at Lt Middle and Middle too.
A top 10 all time Welterweight. An absolute Superstar, attracted many fans to the sport. Generated $ for boxing and was great for those that fought him. A complete fighter without any extreme weaknesses. As good as he was he is also what if? What if he hadn't left the ring in 1982? Does he go on to establish a top 2-3 resume in Welterweight history? Definitely wasnt a fan or his but facts are he was a Supreme talent.
He had very fast hands, great foot work along with good defense and great ring IQ. overall he was very good. Top 5 welter
He was very nice during the time I spent with him, too. Most fighters have an edge when they are younger. But he's an older guy now.
I refuse to post my opinion of Leonard because I might rightfully get banned. All I'll say is It couldn't get much lower!!!
I didn't like him when he was fighting, I always rooted against him. Over time I've become to appreciate him much more.
The closest thing to the perfect fighting machine. Blinding speed power chin boxing brain and courage. Awazing
He certainly wasn't miles off it. One of the most complete fighters to ever grace the ring. He'd have to be well inside the top 10 fighters I've ever seen.
