Ray Leonard vs Clinton 'The Sheriff' Jackson (March 1981) - 'Ray Says No'

After Ray Leonard re-captured the WBC Welterweight Championship over
Roberto Duran in November 1980.

Several names were tossed around as his 'first defense' for his 'second reign'.

One name was his former 1976 Amateur Teammate, Clinton 'The Sheriff' Jackson.

At the time, the 26 1/2 year-old Jackson, a hard-punching southpaw was still
campaigning at Welterweight. Ranked as the #9 WBC Welterweight with a record
of 10-0-0 {8 KO's}, Clinton was more than capable of giving Ray Leonard a tough
battle for March 1981.

But, when his name was brought up, Ray Leonard said, 'No, I don't need my ribs ruined right now.'

Ray Leonard was referring to the time he had a sparring session with Clinton, who had
knocked him down and out with a hook to the ribs.

 

March 1981 WBC Ratings.

*** Ray Leonard
#1.. Wilfred Benitez
#2.. Jose 'Pipino' Cuevas
#3.. Roberto Duran
#4.. Randy Shields
#5.. Pete Ranzany
#6.. Adolfo Viruet
#7.. Jorgen Hansen
#8.. Luis Primera
#9.. Clinton Jackson
#10. Larry Bonds

Ray Leonard 'turned down' Clinton Jackson, and opted for #10 Larry Bonds.

 

G-Man,

A big difference between the hard-punching banger Clinton 'The Sheriiff' Jackson, even
with only '10' bouts under his belt, and Larry Bonds.

Clinton turned professional at age 25, in August 1979. He had been competiting at the
(71 Kg) 156 lb. Light-Middleweight division, though he was still capable of making 147 lbs.

Larry Bonds, a 29 year-old - 5' 11" thin-bodied southpaw boxer, with 'absolutely' no power in his
fists. A fine record of 29-3-0 (6 KO's), but the Denver-based boxer built up his record
on the 'Strip-Circuit' in Las Vegas.

Larry did win the 1970 National Golden Gloves at (139 lbs.) Light-Welterweight. But he
was not considered a 'dangerous opponent' in the 'professional ranks, but more of
a 'tricky southpaw', and regarded as the 'weakest' of the Top 10 ranked Welterweights.

 

D9,

Ray Leonard woud have received the 'same' fight purse for any of the bottom '5'
WBC Challengers for his March 1981 Title Defense.

Clint Jackson, was 'too dangerous' as an opponent. Strong, and with good punching
power.

Not saying that Ray was 'afraid', but just calculating. As he knew Clint - and had
sparred with him in the amateurs.

Clint also split several bouts with Ray's brother Roger in Amateur Tournaments.

'Light-hitting' Larry Bonds was chosen because, he was 'easier'.

 

Clinton was older than Ray.

He had more amateur bouts than Ray.

He was Ray Leonards's Captain on the U.S. Boxing Team.

It would have been a 'very good fight' in March 1981.

Did Ray Leonard 'duck' Clint Jackson. ????

He 'opted' out for Larry Bonds.

 

Wass,

Weren't you excited about the Ray Leonard vs. Larry Bonds Championship fight.

It looked like a damn gym session.

At least a bout with Clint Jackson would have been more competitive, even with 'The Sheriff's 10-0-0 {8 KO's} record.

Clint Jackson was the reason why Ray Leonard stayed at Light-Welterweight in 1976, because he couldn't beat him
at Welterweight.

 

D9,

All 'management decisions' were made by Mike Trainer, who was a brilliant manager.

'Make the most amount of money, with the least amount of risk'.


Larry Bonds was a 'safer than safe' opponent, and most boxing pundits predicted
that Larry would be lucky to go 7-Rounds. After getting floored in Round 3,
Larry did surprise a few, and hung on until the 10th Round.

But Larry Bonds had 'pea-shooter' power.

Clinton Jackson and the Leonard Family had many contests together, so that bout
would have been a natural.

Not saying who would have won, but Clinton Jackson was 'miles ahead' of Larry Bonds
in the dangerous opponent department.