It is Dec 2 1978, Mate Parlov defends his title against Nov 1988 Sugar Ray Leonard, 15 rounds.

Parlov was a plodding guy with no snap or explosiveness. He’d be much bigger and stronger and he was also a southpaw, so that could present some problems.

But the Leonard who fought Lalonde was fast and explosive. Lalonde was a much better puncher and put Ray down and hurt him at other points in their fight (right before Ray rallied for the stoppage win in fact).

I don’t think Ray stops him (although Mate didn’t show a lot of heart against Marvin Johnson and allowed the ref to waive it off after a knockdown because he didn’t appear like he wanted to continue) but he steals rounds with flurries and lands the more telling blows.

Give me Ray for a strategic win that doesn’t move the excitement needle.

 

This was a better one Rich. Ray not without his chances here.

 

Ray by decision. He'd do just enough to w in. Similar to the Third Duran fight I think, in terms of the pace.

 

SRL by decision in a terribly boring fight which he wins only because he appears to be doing more.

 

Are you in love w/ Leonard? What the hell?_

 

Mate Parlov for me, and pretty damn convincingly. Mate Parlov was well schooled, fit and strong, had no trouble handling heavies, let alone a cherry-picking shrimp Leonard, plus your not getting a close decision going your way against Mate in Yugoslavia.