Was Leonard vs Norris just a bad style match up for Leonard?

They didn't "assume" he was declined, they observed (like everyone at the time) that his reflexes were visibly poorer & his combinations were slower & much less frequent vs. Lalonde than they'd been vs. Hagler. It was universally acknowledged heading into the Hearns rematch that neither fighter was still in his prime.

This is the opening sentence of a UPI article just days prior to the fight:
"The notion of Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns as two aging warriors out for one last dose of glory might be premature."

 

Yikes regarding the logic used

pop in the tape of a SRL dismantling a very good Kalule in 1981 at 154lb..

compare the speed and reflexes of that SRL to the corpse on film in 1991 vs Norris

 

The drop down to light middle, at his age and the lay offs all went against him, against Norris.

 

Leonard was shot to pieces only someone with an agenda would suggest otherwise.
Since the Kevin Howard fight in ‘84 he’s had just 5 fights spread over 7 years.
Sure stylewise Norris would have caused a problem or two but beat a prime Sugar Ray Leonard? Do me a favour.

 

I can't stand Leonard to this day, but he was done when he fought Norris.