Lets say straight out of the olympics Leonard decides to bulk up and box exclusively at Light Heavy. I'm curious what the general consenus is on how one of the best of the last few decades could perform this far out of his prime weight for an extended period of time. Who would his biggest obstacles be? What could he accomplish? Misc thoughts?
Michael Spinks, Eddie Mustafa and Dwight Braxton might have killed him. He'd have no chance at 175 whatsoever, especially given the comp of the day. Even against LaLonde he was only 165. Middleweight would be more realistic but even then it would be tough. SRL was a totally natural 147 pounder who only went up for the challenges and acclaim.
Yeah, that I know. I was curious what the consenus would be on a great like Leonard performing that far out of his comfort zone. Got me thinking when people faulted Hagler for not moving up when everyone moved up to fight him.
SRL did move up, Hagler didn't. Middleweight was a big jump for Leonard. Hagler called out guys like Hearns, SRL and Benitez often (tho they did talk of moving up too of course) but when Spinks called Marvin out at one stage not a peep was heard, which admittedly was very very wise.
its actually the other way around. I have proof of this. Even before the first year of Hagler reign all three were calling for Marvin but when time came for them to put out leonard and Hearns got cold feet and pulled out. Only Wifred made a serious move for this fight. Hearns got brave 3 years later and Leonard 6 years later. Micheal Spinks? The last I saw of him he was taking a ten count on his back-loved it. :dead
Agreed, Pound for pound I'd rate Sugar better than any of those men by a long shot, but when it comes time to fighting out of one's natural comfort zone, he can only go so far. There may have been some weaker champions and contenders like Leslie Stewart or Bobby Cyz that he might have eeked out a decision against at 175, but he would have lost a tremendous amount of speed and strength at those levels. I can't see Leonard being much of a problem for say Michael Spinks.
Hagler's purse for the Leonard fight was $12 million, and Leonard's was $11 million. Thats basic purses without add ons. When asking for $20 million to fight Spinks will he no doubt have been asking for a flat rate $20 million without add ons.
Hagler got $12 million for the Leonard fight. Without question. It was $23 million split with Leonard getting the remaining $11 million. That was Hagler's basic purse.
