Would Sugar Ray Leonard have fought Ezzard Charles?

There are more painless methods of self destruction. I’d advise Robinson to have his affairs in order.

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if the fight aged Leonard into refinement, within 5 rounds. He’d fight Charles, so would Robinson but Charles might be the best ever - there is no shame.

 

I think if Ezz starved down to 167 to fight for both the light heavy and vacant super middle titles, Ray may have taken him. After a few rounds, Charles would probably be struggling (especially with a same-day weigh-in). He was a much bigger guy tha Donny.

Lalonde had weighed 167 just four fights earlier and routinely fought in the low 170s at light heavy at the time.

 

No

I don’t think too many guys would move up to fight Ezzard Charles of all people if they had better options. Not only was Charles arguably the greatest LHW ever, but he wasn’t even a champion. Awful risk/reward.

SRL became a cherry picker later in his career. No way is he facing the Cincinnati Cobra.

 

It wouldn’t be in his best interest

 

uh, he proved he could fight LaLonde,,not the Cincinnati Cobra. Leonard doesn't get past 5

 

Leonard never would have fought Charles unless Charles was shot.

 

It wouldn't have been his best idea.
Sugar, as good as he was, wasn't a natural light heavy.
Facing one of, if not THE greatest light heavy, would only have seen him badly hammered.

 

I assume we’re talking 10 rounds being that Ezz was never a champ at 175?

 

Leonard picked the limited Lalonde for a reason, then dragged a natural Light Heavy down to 168. Leonard was a great fighter, but this is when his nonsense started.

 

Sugar Ray was great but he would be getting WAY ahead of his skis against Ezzard Charles.

 

No and neither would Robinson, Hagler, Monzon etc. Walker and Greb would, though

 

And that is why we ignore 0-3 and should rank Archie Moore higher at LHW.