Leonard lacks great defense. His reflexes were not what they used to be at 147. Jackson has enough speed to tag him with good shots over 12. However I think Jackson could also be hurt by Leonard's shots, and Leonard will definitely land. They each rock each other several times until somewhere in the 6th round Jackson lands a big bomb that causes Ray's jeri curl to grow back. But if this a prime welterweight Leonard who goes up against a prime junior middleweight Jackson and they both decide to skip weigh ins, then Leonard by stoppage in the 3rd.
Older comeback Leonard at 160lb may get sparked out, late. Prime Leonard moving up from his natural 147lb probably outboxes him (as Herol Graham was doing, but Leonard was a class and a half above the already very talented Graham). Good fight.
Nice match. I think Leonard would be too classy for him overall and would not make the mistake Jackson would thrive on.
Agree with all the above. Although Jackson lived and died by the sword; he never lost a decision. All losses by stoppage. The Leonard of the Hagler fight out-foxes him.
If Herol Graham could have Jackson exhausted, bewildered and shut one of his eyes by the fourth round then I have little doubt Sugar Ray could have done the same without making the same mistake Graham made. Leonard TKO 6
SRL would completely destroy Jackson bust him up and knock him out in about three one sided rnds.unless Jackson land's a sucker punch which is very unlikely.mismatch.
Julian jackson could never stop older sugar ray (1987-1991) who retained a remarkable chin and fighting pride even if he was increasingly being floored by flash punches..moments where he was made to look foolish. Look if ray could stick his chin out and let a power puncher like hearns land three hail mary haymakers and get up clear eyed and apologetic like he had just spilt tea on a restaraunt table from a leaking teapot.....and if a 175lbs powerpuncher like lalonde cant really hurt him...i think ray can take jacksons best shot and come back fighting Its a brilliant fighti would have loved to see it in spring 1990!....what an incredible mw era 1987-1993 ...so many many matches that didnt take place 20 or so top knotch fighters at around 160-168
