Prime Leonard vs todays Mayweather

A good portion of the general fanbase seem to hold him in the same regard as a Ray Leonard or Pernell Whitaker and other fighters of that caliber. He's not nearly that good. He's at least as good as the likes of Sal Sanchez or Manny Pacquiao though, which clearly makes him one of the best ever. Levels.

 

I hold him in the same regard as Ray L and Whits, but I think Ray L beats him via UD

 

Well said. :deal

 

Leonard loved the big fight and invariably lifted to another level, bigger than Floyd, he would find this easier than Hagler.

 

I would say he's just below those two on a resume+skillset basis. Just my opinion though. Thanks for the explanation.

 

In defence of Floyd Mayweather, I think he's an absolutely outstanding fighter.

The Cotto fight, if anything, shows that he can win in more ways than one. I was impressed with his inside work, his conditioning and his strength. He's 35 after all, but he looked in amazing condition.
His defensive ability must rate up there with the best ever, and despite the amount of time Cotto had him on the ropes, he was caught with something solid only sporadically.

Still think Leonard wins, but Mayweather is truly gifted.

Speaking of Leonard, I've read the debate between Stonehands and Natonic with interest, and both make good points.
I've become a fan of Leonard's over the years. I was always a Hearns and Hagler man, but you have to appreciate the extraordinary skills of the sugarman. Truly an elite fighter.

 

There's really not a whole lot to criticize Leonard for up through 1982. His skills, performances and quality of opp were of the highest caliber. He didn't duck Pepino Cuevas, and although there's a stigma to the second Duran fight there are few who gave better accounts of themselves in a losing effort of an absolute classic that was the first fight. Nearly all of my appreciation for Leonard the fighter is from his first career and run. That's a helluva lot to accomplish in so little time.

 

Not fair to match him with Leonard -- Floyd's best days were at lighter weights. I personally consider his top performance to be the fight against Corrales, for which he was a betting underdog.

Mayweather is versatile and complete enough to adapt his style, but imo his legs at 154 are not what they were. Wether that's due to the extra weight or simply age I'm not sure.

As is, while Mayweather would technically and defensively be superior to Leonard at 147, he would be outgunned. Leonard has more power, a proven track record against master boxers, and matches up well stylistically with his iron chin, fast feet and offensive arsenal.

 

That's pretty much where I'm at too. I do give him a lot of credit for beating Hagler though...his last great performance. :good

 

It's hard to imagine now that he was the underdog. It's been a long time since I've seen such an utter domination (If not humiliation) of a world-class fighter.

 

Yeah, much credit for Hagler for reasons already stated on the previous pages. That's the third Lineal Champ he dethroned (and Top 5 ATG at the weight). Shouldn't go unmentiomed that he ran through a slew of rated world contenders en route to the title shot against Benitez too.

 

Leonard would stop Floyd but it would be a good fight

 

Ray stops this 35 year old Mayweather.

 

They are both great boxers , but got to go with Leonard on this one , Leonard has Beaten Hearns made a great account of himself vs Duran & Hagler. Mayweather has not fought that level of oppent yet, so he is the more unprovean & smaller.

 

I favor today's Floyd becuz........he alwayz findz a way to win!

Floyd on pts. Floyd is quick, slick, and would make ray Leonard sick