Why no Benitez-Leonard rematch?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012.


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  1. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Even though Leonard won by (controversial) stoppage and was well ahead on points, it was still a hard, competitive fight. Had Benitez opened quicker, not suffered that accidental cut and not injured his left hand it might have been a different story.

    So why no rematch? Was it ever on the cards, or did it just get caught behind the bigger fights and paydays with Duran and Hearns?
     
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
    #1
  2. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Mr. Bokaj,

    Wilfred (Jimmy Jacobs/Bill Cayton) waived the 'rematch clause option' for an
    additional $200,000 added to his fight purse.

    And, by March 1980 Wilfred coudn't make 147 lbs., with his training regimen.

    The Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran was in the works by February 1980, and
    Wilfred had nowhere to go but up to 154 lbs. in 1980.

    Though, Wilfred vs. Ray Leonard at 154 lbs. would have been a better bout for
    the 'Wunderkind'.
     
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
    #2
  3. Flea Man

    Flea Man มวยสากล Full Member

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    I felt Ray won it very convincingly.
     
    Flea Man, Nov 5, 2012
    Flea Man, Nov 5, 2012
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  4. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Scorecards, after 14-Rounds.

    Art Lurie.........137-130 (9-3-2 in Rounds)
    Harry Gibbs.....136-134 (5-4-5 in Rounds)
    Ray Solis........137-133 (6-3-5 in Rounds)

    UPI...............139-129 (10-1-3 in Rounds)

    All scorecards gave Ray Leonard a 10-8 edge in Round 3, by scoring
    a 'flash' knockdown.

    I had it 136-133 (6-4-4 in Rounds), also givng Ray Leonard a 10-8 score
    in Round 3.
     
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
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  5. Hookie

    Hookie Affeldt... Referee, Judge, and Timekeeper Full Member

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    Would have liked a rematch at 154... Leonard wins again though.
     
    Hookie, Nov 5, 2012
    Hookie, Nov 5, 2012
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  6. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Wilfred had just turned 21, when he fought Ray Leonard in November 1979.

    Strength wise, the Wilfred Benitez of 1981 and 1982, was more of a complete
    fighter.

    A close bout for these guys at 154 lbs. from mid-1981 thru the end of 1982.

    I wouldn't be suprised with a 15-Round Draw.
     
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
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  7. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Points-wise, yes. I had Leonard winning by at least 5-6 pts, but most rounds were close. You could see that Leonard was very, very tired towards the end, with a puffy face.

    In a perfect world they would have had a rematch at 154 after Benitez beat Duran.
     
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
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  8. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Could be.

    On the other hand Leonard gained invaluable experience from his fights with Duran and Hearns. He'd also have a mental edge in winning the first one.

    If Leonard aquitted himself fully to the fight, I see him winning again. He showed against Kalule that he was robust and powerful, while still very fast, at 154 as well.
     
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
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  9. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I'd love to have seen a rematch at 154 lbs. between the two. It would have been another chessmatch type with Leonard winning again,imo. Maybe on points this time.
     
    Stevie G, Nov 5, 2012
    Stevie G, Nov 5, 2012
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  10. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    I would have loved to have seen a rematch between the two as well, Stevie.
     
    red cobra, Nov 5, 2012
    red cobra, Nov 5, 2012
    #10
  11. MagnaNasakki

    MagnaNasakki Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think Ray would beat him again.

    Benitez is the more complete technician, but he was simply too slow and stationary to outpoint Ray Leonard. Ray worked AROUND Benitez and scored beautifully.

    Radar just couldn't keep up. I don't think he ever could, fine a fighter as he is. Sometimes, pure athleticism is that irreplaceable ingredient that decides fights. Wilfredo always gives a noble account of himself and lands plenty, but I don't see him ever getting over. I had Ray up 6 points, I think. Stoppage was awful, but the 10-8 round should have blown the fight wide open, that would have been a one-sided decision.
     
    MagnaNasakki, Nov 5, 2012
    MagnaNasakki, Nov 5, 2012
    #11
  12. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Remember the post-Leonard 'Wilfred'

    In 1980, more flat-footed, and delivering punches with much more power
    versus (Johnny Turner, Tony Chiaverini and Pete Ranzany).

    May 1981, dismantling Mauric Hope. And in November 1981, scoring a
    15-Round Decision over a very good Carlos Santos.

    If Wilfred was a 3-1 Underdog again, I'd take that bet.
     
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
    Senor Pepe', Nov 5, 2012
    #12
  13. MagnaNasakki

    MagnaNasakki Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    More flat-footed hurts him tactically to an immeasurable degree against Leonard on the attack, the same way he struggled getting out of the way of all the hurt that was sent his way the first time.
     
    MagnaNasakki, Nov 5, 2012
    MagnaNasakki, Nov 5, 2012
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  14. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Technical chess-match as it was, Leonard still managed to make ample use of his superior strength as well.

    Benitez was more defensively skilled, but Leonard had the speed to get off quicker and the strength and power to be happpy with the exchange of taking one in order to give one.

    He also worked Benitez' body well from an early stage, which paid off in the last third of the fight.

    I think things would have been pretty much the same at 154, with the difference perhaps that Benitez would have started off quicker and not been hampered by an accidental cut. Could have made it closer.
     
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
    Bokaj, Nov 5, 2012
    #14
  15. Hands of Iron

    Hands of Iron #MSE Full Member

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    Leonard would always beat Benitez to the punch, with harder shots at that.
     
    Hands of Iron, Nov 5, 2012
    Hands of Iron, Nov 5, 2012
    #15
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