How common was this, historically? I know Leonard-Lalonde. I also just discovered that Canzoneri-Berg II had both the lightweight and jr welterweight title at stake. Other examples of this?
Surely it's not common. I was very surprised to learn it happened with Canzoneri-Berg. I'm curious, and am inclined to believe that more examples of this exist.
Thought Armstrong-Ambers but I was wrong: Armstrong’s welterweight strap wasn’t on the line, for whatever reason.
I am surprised it happened more than Lalonde vs. Leonard. To me, I don't see how a belt can be fought at two divisions. Theoretically. Leonard could have fought at 160 and won that title an the 168 and 175 and 190 belt by getting the champion in 1988 at cruiserweight to weigh in at 160.. Which is why getting two belts at once to me was unfair let alone more. He tried to beat Hearns or match him and to me he didn't win even one belt that night.
Well, if you have a lightweight champion facing a junior welter, and they both weigh in at 135, I see no real reason why they shouldn't both be on the line. Or at least why they couldn't.
I don't see how that can be legit. If the junior welt. champion always weighed in at 135 when he fought his defenses it might be ok, but he would usually weigh near 140 or a pound under. I think there is a reason for weights and catchweights or anything else will absolutely affect the outcome of the fight.
My thoughts exactly! I don't understand, how Lalonde could lose his 175 lbs belt against Leonard, when he was contracted to come in at 168 - thus being denied the opportunity to take full advantage of the light heavyweight limit. It doesn't make sense! When Dawson dropped down to fight Ward at 168, he did so as the reigning light heavyweight title holder - and though he was badly beaten by Ward, he still kept his 175 belt. Which is how it should be, imo.
exactly. The weight is there to be utilized,and it if cannot, then how can it be for that title. 2 titles at 2 different weights in one fight goes against logic. Leonard cheated to get those titles. Weakening Lalonde and fighting at the 168 pound title when neither was rated, and then winning Lalondes when he was weak.
It was a Ray Leonard con. That is why many boxing fans hold a resentment against him. He was a great fighter and anything but genuine outside the ring.
