Re Duran-Leonard I: How many welterweights in history would've beaten that Duran?

Hearns, Robinson and Burley would in my book.

 

Hearns would've murdered him. Robinson, too, would have his way. Leonard could've beaten him but fought a stupid fight underestimating him, but still lost a close decision.

 

Leonard should've beaten him, but he let Duran control him.

 

Yep.

 

He easily beat Duran in the rematch when he choose another gameplan. And when during the first fight did you see Leonard trying to box more? If anything, he went more aggressive as the fight progressed, watch rounds 14 & 15.

 

Duran won that night. Leonard gained invaluable experience. I believe a more experience Leonard beats Duran (as was the case in New Orleans).
I don't necessarily think Hearns murders Duran at 147. Duran was much more mobile at that weight. I think "Montreal" Duran vs Hearns is a toss-up. Hearns better get Duran early or Duran gets him late.
Robinson beats Duran
Napoles vs Duran is a toss-up in my opinion
Gavilan i think beats him with a perfect combination of skill and toughness.
I'd give a prime Luis Rodriguez a shot but favor Duran.
Ditto for Griffith.

 

You seem to eliminate Leonard from the equation. Duran won that night fair and square but Leonard gained the experience to come back and beat him. Leonard the night he beat Hearns also beats that Duran in my opinion.

 

I disagree. While Leonard was always in control of the bout he made the rounds closer with his lack of punching. His power punches were few and far between. During the first 6 rounds the only meaningful punch he hit Duran with was a lead right hand during the 2nd round. The rest of his landed blows were quick flurries and he threw about 10 jabs per round. Leonard IMO fought a brilliant defensive fight. He wasn't as stationary as he was in Montreal. But he never dominated Duran thoroughly. At least three of the completed rounds were close.

Look at the scorecards of the three judges. They paint an accurate picture of the scoring. Give and take a round here or there, they all had Leonard edging the fight.

 

Sorry man, I didn't see this post. Don't mean to beat a dead horse.

 

If you can hit and not be hit you win, easier said than done with Duran than most, SRR, Hearns, Leonard, Whitaker, Mayweather, Burley, Napoles are the best shots, not all win but any could

 

:roll:

 

Leonard was in much better condition for the first fight than Duran was in the rematch, so I don't personally think the rematch proved too much. The Duran of the first fight vs the Leonard of the rematch and it's still a very tough fight to call.