What was Leonards best skill as a fighter?

Combination punching. No one throws punches in bunches like Ray. Just pure god given talent.

Alternate answer: his ability to influence judges!

If Ray felt like he was losing a round, or that his opponent caught him with a good punch, he always felt the need to answer back right away. He has stolen so many rounds with his end-of-the-round flurries. I think in that regard, he was simply the best.

 

I pretty much agree. I think his boxing brain was probably his best asset. He was a better thinker than for example Hagler or Hearns.

 

This is the best answer offered so far. But I think the point everyone has missed so far is he was SMART - very smart!

 

Fighting Hearns twice, Duran three times and Hagler when he was coming off a three year lay-off on crack and his first fight at Middleweight is a sign of a ducker?

 

Further evidence of the human trait to feel the need to try and bring down the man on top, perhaps... i.e. Those who say such things are merely giving into their animal instincts.

 

Yes - Have a look at the Kalule fight. Actually Kalule was a brilliant fighter and probably as good or even slightly better than SRL in many aspects. SRL is one of those few fighters that just find a way to win.

 

It should also be noted that Ray Leonard, was one of the great strategists that boxing has ever seen. He had unquestionably one of the best boxing brains.

Save the first Duran fight, when he stated "im going to plant my feet, and beet him at his own game," Ray always came to the ring with a great fight plan

 

In the Hagler fight it was his blinding foot speed. I'd say his flurries were the best I have seen. Camacho is close but his punches had no power.

 

he didnt need to take off ANY time after 1982. His many matches with limited foes and geezers/wheezers proved that. Did his eye improve over time and why doesnt the same problem get mentioned when discussing Lalonde, Hearns, Howard, Duran, Norris, Camacho?

While you're thinking of a good answer just accept my answer in the meantime.

 

Where was his brain during the Norris fight? That's right, Norris didnt give him the time to use it. :bbb

 

Leonard was one of the most complete boxers ever but the things that stood out for me & what really made him great were his versatility - his ability to come in with the correct style for a particular opponent (montreal not included) & his ability to adapt during a fight if all wasnt going well.

Other mentions must go to his grit, toughness, heart, chin, finishing ability, speed & very good left hook... oh & footwork. There`s too much, he was 1 of the best ever.... period.

 

Leanard SD12 Hagler

it´s just so sweet to answer on a post of yours with that one.

 

Not as sweet as Norris UD 12 Leonard and the even sweeter Hector Camacho KO 5 Leonard

 

The difference is, I dislike Leonard, so actually you are doing me a favour :tong

 

IMO, Killer instinct. When Leonard had an opponent hurt. That is when he really turned it on. And the punches would come in very fast! As soon as an opponent was hurt, Leonard would finish the job.