This is my second blog on the series ‘Mythical Matchups’. The bout I am going to write about is between the greatest ‘Pound for Pound’ fighter of all-time, Sugar
Ray Robinson, and Sugar Ray Leonard. My imaginary bouts all will take place in Las Vegas at the Caesar’s Palace outdoor arena, with the great Mills Lane as the referee. This bout would take place at welterweight, when both boxers were at their best in my personal opinion.
After a terrific amateur career, Sugar Ray Robinson made his professional career on October 4, 1940. Ray was the undisputed World Welterweight Champion from 1946 to 1951, and made five title defenses before moving up to Middleweight.
Sugar Ray Leonard turned pro on February 5, 1977, and won his first Welterweight title on November 30, 1979 by defeating Wilfred Benitez. After losing to Roberto Duran in June of 1980, he recaptured the championship in their rematch on November 25, 1980. Sugar Ray retired in November of 1982 due to his detached retina surgery, and never fought at welterweight again.
A bout between the two would have been razor close in my opinion. Both men could box and punch, and move laterally as well as forward. I give a little bit of an edge to Ray Robinson in the punching power category, although Ray Leonard was a good puncher as well.
I just think the fact that Ray Robinson had a professional record of 129-1-2, with 85 knockouts at one point in his career, is mind blowing, and can’t be overlooked. He had far more tougher bouts, fought far more often, and to me that is the edge.
If the two boxers actually met in the ring, Sugar Ray Robinson’s edge in experience, and ring IQ would have been a little too much for Leonard. While I think it would have been a close match, in the end Robinson’s talent would have been the difference. I see Ray winning a unanimous decision in an exciting, competitive bout.
The fighters of the 40’s and 50’s to me had a edge over the boxers of the modern era. They dealt with viciously crooked promoters, crappy paydays, and tough crowds. Overall, most fighters rate Sugar Ray Robinson as the best fighter of all time, and if someone puts anyone ahead of him, they know nothing about boxing history.
As much as I love Ray Leonard, Sugar Ray Robinson takes the edge in all skill areas, and is simply the greatest Welterweight Champion to ever live.
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