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Originally Posted by Tommysixfingers
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3. Ray Leonard - Got two gift decisions against Hearns and Hagler. Stayed well clear of fighters like McCallum, Pryor and Mugabi. Very good boxer but also very overrated in comparison to others of his era imo.
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I'll agree about his 2nd fight with Hearns but beating that 32-0 30 KO Hearns wasn't impressive?
He also forced an all time great Duran to quit in their 2nd fight when Ray fought a smart fight.
Not sure why the fight with Pryor never took place but why would Ray have been afraid to fight him? I heard Pryor moved to 140 lbs because nobody wanted to fight him @ 135. So Ray was afraid of a big lightweight?
Also went up & whipped a decent 36-0 Ayub Kalule to win his WBA JMW belt before the 1st Hearns fight. A fight that Bob Arum was afraid of - especially when Kalule hurt Ray early in the fight.
I can see why people disagree about the Hagler fight but just the fact Ray gave Hagler such a battle after a 5 year layoff is pretty impressive.
At the time I think someone said it would be like McEnroe coming out of retirement for 5 years & playing for the Wimbeldon title on Centre Court. The only difference is John could have been embarassed, Ray could have been killed by Hagler - an all time great MW.
Ray was in with Hearns, Duran & Hagler - 3 of the all time greats of the sport & did very well & that's not impressive? He also stopped a decent fighter in Benitiz to win the WBC WW title.