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

Duran has held that title for decades.

Benny would make a great fight with Duran, but Duran beats him down in 11 rounds.

 

Yeah, he’s no. 1.

 

I think he's number 1.

 

He has as good case as anyone.

 

He isn't and never has been the GOAT lightweight. That title belongs to Duran.

 

Benny is truly a great, great fighter. But at 135 Duran is the greatest of all time.

 

Never has been? What about before Duran?

 

For me yes.

 

Before Duran yes, but I'm talking in recent history (past 20-30 years)

 

Why would you use recent history as context to talk about a fighter who thought over 100 years ago?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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