Why is Leonard so disliked?

I don't think Leonard is particularly disliked. In his heyday, the fans and media poured nothing but love on the guy. Even in his retirement(s) they looked out with bated breath, for any signs of his return. This is why, whenever he did return, it became a Leonard Showcase.

I do think a few people began to see through (or, perhaps, just got bored with) Leonard's media fascia but, in the main, his boxing fan base remained true. That said, I remember there was an Emanuel Steward and Thomas Hearns interview (possibly with Sky Sports, some years back), during which Hearns' disenchantment with Leonard was made quietly, politely but clear - and, in contrast with his warm admiration for Duran and Hagler.

Apart from being struck by the disparity of his sentiments towards Leonard and the other two of the Fab Four, I recall considering that Hearns' viewpoint quite probably reflected that of a fair proportion of fans. That is, they recognized and appreciated Leonard's incredible talent, but found the way in which he thought of and handled himself somewhat disappointing.

 

Robinson seemed really humble when he spoke and didn`t sound suave like Leonard when he spoke, fighters in the 40`s-50`s were really polite and humble compared to Ali and all that came after.

 

Ray was loved during his prime but hated after his rematch with Hearns.

 

By the time McCallum got really going in his career Duran was past his prime.

 

Duran looked better than Ray at 154 based on the Moore fight, he looked slower than usual v the cagey Laing.

 

Hearns gave a performance against Benitez that was far better than any performance Ray gave in his career including his own win over Wilfredo, Hearns was far more impressive v Duran than Ray was in the no mas fight also

 

Ali had a right to do that living in America during the 60`s and before, there was still segregation in the South and Ali wasn`t even allowed to eat in an white only resturant, even after just winning olympic gold, a sad time in American history indeed.

 

Humble?

My impression is that Robinson was considered the most arrogant man in boxing through most of his career. He was also criticized for pulling out of more than his share of fights.

 

What fights come to mind Kev?

 

I've seen references to him pulling out of fights under questionable circumstances against several lesser-known guys: Jackie Wilson, Jimmy Doyle, Flash Sebastian, Jose Basora, Georgia Small, Memo Ayon). Journalists often mentioned it derisively, noting that Robinson usually made up excuses about hurting himself while training and being out of shape. A lot of promoters apparently hated him.

He also apparently threatened to pull out against Basilio. From a Sept. 12, 1957 Press Wire Services article:
"Discussing Robinson's earlier threats to pull out of the fight because of a dispute of TV money, Basilio said: 'He's pulled out of fights before. Maybe I should pull out. It would be nice to run out on a guy like Robinson, but I need the money, too," he smiled."

 

Leonard is despised in Texas because of the way he back stabbed Donald Curry. Leonard was supposedly retired & was working as an advisor to Donald. Donald was having problems making weight & wanted to move up & challenge Marvin Hagler at Middleweight. Leonard kept telling Donald to wait there was no hurry. Suddenly out of the blue comes the news Leonard is coming out of retirement to fight Hagler. Leonard dissappeared from Texas immediately
He blatantly stabbed Don in the back as he'd been negociating with Hagler all the time he was with Don.
When he fought Marvin he got the decision but didnt win the fight Leonard was a real snake in the grass. Donald challenged him several times but leonard would never fight him
As for his name ?? To me he's Saccharin Ray Leonard, there is only one Sugar Ray & thats Mr Robinson. Leonard is fake sugar

 

Leonard was not ever SUGAR He was saccharin a poor substitute

 

Got a gift against Hagler