Benny Leonard as the greatest lightweight of all time: still true?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Rollin, Jan 8, 2022.

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  1. Rollin

    Rollin Boxing Addict Full Member

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    How has the opinion that the Ghetto Wizard is the lightweight GOAT aged? Do you consider him one? How does he matches against the likes of Duran legacy-wise?
     
    Rollin, Jan 8, 2022
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  2. Balder

    Balder Well-Known Member banned Full Member

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    Duran has held that title for decades.

    Benny would make a great fight with Duran, but Duran beats him down in 11 rounds.
     
    Balder, Jan 8, 2022
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  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Never was. He never overhauled Gans :-D
     
    McGrain, Jan 8, 2022
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  4. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    Yeah, he’s no. 1.
     
    Jel, Jan 8, 2022
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  5. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    I think he's number 1.
     
    Unforgiven, Jan 8, 2022
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  6. 70sFan865

    70sFan865 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    He has as good case as anyone.
     
    70sFan865, Jan 8, 2022
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  7. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    He isn't and never has been the GOAT lightweight. That title belongs to Duran.
     
    White Bomber, Jan 8, 2022
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  8. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Benny is truly a great, great fighter. But at 135 Duran is the greatest of all time.
     
    Reinhardt, Jan 8, 2022
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  9. George Crowcroft

    George Crowcroft Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Never has been? What about before Duran?
     
    George Crowcroft, Jan 8, 2022
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  10. Tonto62

    Tonto62 Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    For me yes.
     
    Tonto62, Jan 8, 2022
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  11. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Before Duran yes, but I'm talking in recent history (past 20-30 years)
     
    White Bomber, Jan 8, 2022
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  12. George Crowcroft

    George Crowcroft Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Why would you use recent history as context to talk about a fighter who thought over 100 years ago?
     
    George Crowcroft, Jan 8, 2022
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  13. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Cause rankings change as time goes by, and the newest update to them is the most relevant one.
    At one time, during the 50s-early 60s, most people would say the heavyweight GOAT title belonged to either Dempsey or Louis and that was the dream fight. Nowadays, nobody in their right mind would have Dempsey inside the top 3.
     
    White Bomber, Jan 8, 2022
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  14. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Leonard had a better championship reign than Duran did based on better crop of challengers. When Benny came on the scene boxing was evolving and forming into what we got later. The rules themselves.

    At the time he had alot of no decision fights. That clouds my rating of him somewhat. Leonard certainly deserves credit for helping boxing move forward.

    His fights Jack Britton could of elevated him higher. I just don't know if those were on the level. A man like Leonard was praised for his intelligence and coolness suddenly walks over and hits Britton (the Welterweight Champion) when he is down.
    Britton did say Leonard one of the most powerful punchers he ever faced. Even comparing his punch to some smaller middleweight.
     
    ETM, Jan 8, 2022
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  15. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    The films that we have of Benny tell me the legend is genuine. He was quick, mobile and everything they said he was.
     
    ETM, Jan 8, 2022
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