How would Floyd Mayweather do against boxers in Roberto, Leonard, Robinsons era?

Indeed. I've always said that even sanctioning a Hearns/Mayweather bout would be verging on criminally negligent.

Agree on Leonard/Mayweather too.

 

He's a great fighter and would've been successful in any era. I just have my doubts on how many weight divisions he would've actually traversed at different periods of the sport.

During the times of the original 8 weight divisions, I think he probably would've only fought at the 126 and 135 lb divisions. I think certain WW fighters were just way too big for him such as Griffith, Hearns, Leonard, Robinson and so on.

He was a 125 lb fighter at the tail end of his amateur career so it's plausible to assume he could've fought at FW in the old days. I think he does exceptionally well at the lighter weights in any era and would be a tough fight for any ATG fighter at the 126-135 lb divisions.

 

Your probably right. If Floyd got in there with Hearns and finds himself overmatched he could find a way to survive. It would be a risky proposition. He couldn`t afford to make a mistake with Hearns. On the other hand Tommy Hearns could/would tee off without much danger coming back at him. I wouldn`t be surprised if Mayweather found a way to survive the 12 rounds. Benitez was able to though he was a little taller and more of a natural Welter than Floyd.

 

Floyd would run for his dear life.

 

If you have that much trouble with the Castillos and Maidanas, you don't outpoint Dran, at least not prime Duran

 

Toney was more naturally gifted for sure but was also lazy ****.Had more balls than Floyd too.

 

It's true, imo he was still a better boxer in terms of skill, some would argue he couldn't adjust I just think he always came to fight.
Floyd is the better athlete and professional.

 

Agreed. Toney could do it all when in shape.

 

On what basis do you guys think he had more skill than Mayweather?

 

Yep. And if Floyd were to try that shoulder roll sh*t up against the ropes against Tommy... Lol I'm sure Emanuel would tell him to rip that body ANYWHERE he could hit him. Don't completely focus on the head. Floyd would be smashed everywhere. Then after soon after he drops those hands more to protect his body or simply because the damage his shoulders and arms took from Hearns power... Goodnight. Not to mention Tommy's jab would no doubt find a home. An out of prime De La Hoya was the best jabber Floyd faced and Oscar had some success with his. Hitmans jab was more of a weapon.

 

I believe he was a great boxer but simply did not have the power to beat any of those fellows.

 

To me may weather utilizes distance more.
Toney could fight floyds styles don't think Floyd can fight toneys

 

Floyd also nullifies a lot of attacks by holding and pushing (arguably illegally) while toney will look to fight/ counter.
To me one fights smarter the other with more skill.

 

Inside skills. Integrating offence and defence in the pocket.

When facing mobile aggression Floyd would more often than not shell up or hold while looking for single shot counters. Toney would slip, roll and throw combinations with fluidity. Toney had cement feet though which killed his ability to change to a mobile out boxer style. Floyd's the more well rounded boxer/athlete making him more economical and able to adapt or adjust.

Look at the way Floyd beat Canelo. He knew Canelo didn't have the feet to get to him so he toyed with him and never let him near him. Toney would have walked into a guy with Canelo's style and beat the **** out of him while making him miss tones. Toney also would'nt struggle with Castillo or Maidana styles. He would relish and devour guy's with those styles like a Big Mac meal.

 

He probably wouldn`t fight him as others have stated Mayweather would be better served staying down around Lightweight. Would he end up running? I don`t know that might make it worse running from a guy who has that kind of height, range and reach. It`s possible.