For the November 25, 1980 rematch, I went to the cavernous Atlantic City Convention Hall to watch the closed circuit broadcast of the fight. I had paid $20 for my ticket to their fight in June, but the price had been jacked to $35. I didn’t care because I was more than excited to see the action. I really had grown to dislike the arrogant Duran, and coupled with the fact I liked Sugar Ray so much, it was no surprise who I was rooting for.
Leonard’s team had wanted him to fight a tune up,and let Duran take on an easy mandatory challenger instead. But Ray insisted on going right back into the ring with the Panamanian. His plan was to box and move and stay away from Duran’s power, and also stay off of the ropes. Roberto was motivated by money and an $8 million dollar payday, and signed his name on the contract. Ray was under tremendous pressure to win, otherwise his career would be sidetracked greatly, and his future would be uncertain at best.
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