Who is greater? Willie Pep or Benny Leonard?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by the_bigunit, Jan 23, 2013.


  1. the_bigunit

    the_bigunit Well-Known Member Full Member

    2,940
    19
    Nov 12, 2012
    Who is the greater fighter? Who should be ranked higher, regardless of weight?

    Wiilie Pep, or Benny Leonard?
     
  2. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

    42,723
    264
    Jul 22, 2004
    I gather Pep is generally considered the better by those who watched both. I think Pep looks the more skilled of the 2

    Leonard I think edges it resume and dominance wise though

    Toss a coin
     
  3. Kiwi Kid

    Kiwi Kid The Sweet Scientist Full Member

    62
    1
    Dec 3, 2012
    I'd go with Leonard based on the depth of his resume
     
  4. burt bienstock

    burt bienstock Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    18,285
    399
    Jan 22, 2010
    Benny Leonard was considered to be the best all around fighter of his times, just as Ray Robinson was the very best of his times with Willie Pep #2...Benny leonard was a
    magnificent boxer and a very stiff two handed puncher who could ko an opponent at any time...
     
  5. Manassa

    Manassa - banned

    7,766
    93
    Apr 6, 2007
    Definitely, definitely Leonard. Willie Pep is in my top ten all-time, but Leonard, knowing what I know now, I think is a lock for top five.

    In his best years Leonard went 80-2-1, both the losses being a bit meaningless (disqualification and a four rounder), and including those, he went 15-2-1 against Hall of Famers within that period. Incredible record once analysed.

    To his credit, Pep did beat a bucket load of contenders, including some at 135lbs.
     
  6. steve w

    steve w Active Member Full Member

    815
    12
    Jun 5, 2011
    Benny, magnificent in all aspects, would be a sensation in todays era, what a fighter!
     
  7. RockyJim

    RockyJim Boxing Addict Full Member

    5,235
    2,426
    Mar 26, 2005
  8. Theron

    Theron Boxing Addict banned

    6,597
    34
    Sep 2, 2012
    Leonard, cleaning up shop here, i prefer Willie Pep though guy was unbelievable to watch
     
  9. PhillyPhan69

    PhillyPhan69 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    18,093
    15,559
    Dec 20, 2006

    I would largely agree with this....I wouldn't really argue against someone placing them in either order...For me a slight lead to Benny.

    01 SRR
    02 Armstrong
    03 Greb

    04 Langford
    05 Fitzsimmons
    06 Benny
    07 Charles
    08 Pep
     
  10. Bummy Davis

    Bummy Davis Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    23,666
    2,146
    Aug 26, 2004
    both were excellent fighters....Pep was a master with a long career both before and after the crash but was a featherweight...the greatest YES...Leonard was one of the greatest if not the greatest lightweight of all time could box punch and speed of hand and foot....many of the old-timers told me he beats Duran....Greatest Lightweight...could be
     
  11. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

    58,748
    21,566
    Nov 24, 2005
    While I have absolutely no hesistation in saying Benny Leonard, it's still hard to fathom how a boxer can be 'greater than Willie Pep'.

    I'd probably say equal greatness, but I'd rank Leonard higher. :lol:
     
  12. Flea Man

    Flea Man มวยสากล Full Member

    82,423
    1,464
    Sep 7, 2008
  13. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,698
    29,027
    Jun 2, 2006
    Me too:good
     
  14. Grinder

    Grinder Dude, don't call me Dude Full Member

    5,848
    2,552
    Mar 24, 2005
    Benny Leonard is an argument for number one all time great. Willie Pep is not.
     
  15. the_bigunit

    the_bigunit Well-Known Member Full Member

    2,940
    19
    Nov 12, 2012
    I would like to thank everyone for their input. It's all unbelievably appreciated.

    With Benny Leonard and Roberto Duran's greatness so neck and neck with each other: does Leonard being greater than Pep -- make Duran greater as well?