Leonard or Robinson - Who had faster hands?

Instinctively I'd opt for Ray Leonard, but of course, he lacked Robinson's knockout power.

I'm not sure there is much in it, Robinson changed so much about the boundaries of how fighters could operate. Though true informed historians will doubtless point to the fighters that influence and shaped Robinson's game as the real innovators.

Sugar Ray Robinson was tremendously quick.

 

Leonard, marginally. :thumbsup

 

For pure handspeed I'll go with Leonard. Robby had insane accuracy to go with his handspeed though.

 

I'd think Leonard by a smidgeon, but i'd like to see John Garfield's comments. He's the man for this one.

 

Leonard was quicker but didn't put as much on his shots. If you put more on your shots they arent as quick.

 

I'm assuming you (and everyone else who states Leonard as matter a factly) have seen footage of SRR at 147 where he was likely at his fastest due to obvious weight, age and peak quotient reasons? If not you've seen him live?

Anybody going by footage of SRR at Middleweight only isn't really in position to comment here IMO. Certainly not in the way you have. I am in the same boat of course. For a true answer here we need to compare the two at 147.

John Garfield might be the voice of reason on this one.

 

Personal memories from 50 years ago are not the way to go mate.

 

Better than no memories or footage at all, especially given that John is honest, sincere and not prone to go over the top with either era. He's not a days of yore man whatsoever.

 

For pure blurring speed, I'd give the edge to Leonard, but most were shoeshines to get out of trouble or catch the judges eyes. Every shot in an SRR combo was meant to flatten.

 

Consider weight; sure, Robinson was a middle for the footage we've seen, but as an example he was 154 or 155 in the ring the night of the last LaMotta fight. That's about what most welters weigh in the ring on the night of the fight anyway. Robinson didn't weigh in at 160 for that one. Also, Leonard slightly faster, but not enough to make much of a difference.

 

I think Leonard had slightly faster hands.:good

 

Leonard.

 

Robinson

 

Finally a vote for Robinson.