Duran-Leonard 1 re-visited

werety · Nov 21, 2008

Robbi said:

Leonard fought the wrong fight, contrary to what others might say. The whole media thought he would box as did his trainer, Angelo Dundee. He had the ability to move more and he didn't. Leonard elected to stand and trade punches and told the media he'd do it before the first bell rang. They all thought he was crazy as it was the wrong option when it came to his best chance of winning. Duran's office was inside and trading punches to prove what machismo was all about.

I thought Duran won based on his effective aggressiveness, variety, defense, and his clear edge in eye catching power shots inside and mid-range.
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I remember hearing that Dundee didn't want Leonard backing up against Duran. If I remember correctly he was actually predicting a fourth round K.O. by Leonard.

The Morlocks · Oct 14, 2019

DINAMITA said: ↑

I haven't watched it for a while, but I have long thought it is the best win by any fighter since 1960 (at least), even better than Ali-Foreman because Duran and Leonard were significantly higher quality fighters than George.

Duran was nothing short of phenomenal, and Leonard would have beaten most of the great welterweights of history that night IMO. They were both superb and it was a tremendous fight, really really high level stuff.

I have always and will always say: I can't stand the widespread misconception that "if Leonard boxed he would've won". On so many levels that is just BS. The choice was not Leonard's whether to box or brawl, Duran dictated that fight, it was he who was in control and he who decided how the fight went, Leonard had no choice but to fight like a demon in close proximity to avoid oblivion! Duran was on top of him all night, Leonard could not change that fight.

The best performance I've ever seen.
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Great post.

roughdiamond · Oct 14, 2019

Probably the greatest win in boxing history. Few even compare.

HOUDINI · Oct 14, 2019

I watched this bout live via close circuit. Aside from Ali Frazier 3 which was the most exciting bout in terms of crowd response I ever witnessed this bout was a close second.

Breathtaking performance by Duran. It was very obvious that Leonard was greatly intimidated by Duran (who wouldn’t be?). Duran fought a perfect fight and it’s a testament to Leonard’s greatness he did not crumble under the pressure.

as a side note, and I always found this comment to be quite curious.... Dick Young a long time sports reporter for the NY Daily News wrote a few days later that this bout “stunk” as in “fixed”. Strangely Young never explained this comment.

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Duran-Leonard 1 re-visited

werety Active Member Full Member

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Duran-Leonard 1 re-visited

werety Active Member Full Member

The Morlocks Boxing Junkie Full Member

roughdiamond Ridin' the rails... Full Member

HOUDINI Boxing Addict Full Member