Recently i've been reading and watching a lot of Duran, Leonard, and Gans to try and determine who the #1, #2, #3 lightweights are. I keep shuffling them around in an attempt to gauge their overall quality pound for pound and divisional rankings. All three guys have great skills, athletic ability, records, and reigns over their divisions. My question is, who does Classic individually think is the best, and how would you rank them, resume and otherwise. As of right now, I think Leonard #1, Gans #2, and Duran #3 is seeming pretty good to me as far as LW rankings go. Pound for pound is different, I think, but I haven't decided there anyway.
We really have to look at achievements/fight results on paper when discussing fighters with limited film such as Gans and especially Leonard. It also is a pain in the neck when seeing "Newspaper Decision" as a result from a title fight. From what I've heard of them I have Gans as 1, Leonard as 2, and Duran as 3. I'm not sure about Gans but prime for prime H2H as a lightweight, Leonard may have been as close to untouchable as one could get. I really wish there was much,much more film of Gans and Leonard to view.
1. Benny 2. Duran 3. Gans Thats with your options , Sweat Pea gets right up in the mix if were talking H2H.
Gans. Leonard would be right behind him as far as Lightweight reigns are concerned, though. Duran is lagging behind in that regard, but as an overall fighter may've been the best of the bunch.
This realy is a division where you have three outstanding fighters, so close in resume, that a strong case can be made for any of them.
duran more footage,better quality footage, and it's in friggin colour i would say duran though. but i know with me being 20 years ago has a lot to do with it