Courage and determination in face adversities as Sugar Ray L could also be grim if pushed against the wall so to speak by his sternest foes Leonard was able to show those qualities when he found himself with the seemingly inevitable prospect of a sure defeat. These he showed in turning a looming rout to a competitive fight in the first Duran fight, stopping Tommy Hearns after falling greatly behind on points and even enduring bruises and welts to his face, holding steadfast against the ponderous punching and strong finishing Marvin Hagler and coming from the floor to kayo Bruce Finch and light heavyweight titlist Donnie Lalonde. He showed that he got that special extra push that can only be seen from the likes of Louis, Robinson and Ali in their moments of extreme challenges and adversities.
In fairness, Floyd has not yet been pushed that hardest in his pro career so we can never really tell if he has it or not.
His grinder with Luis Castillo and that solid punch that threatened to separate him from his senses coming from Shane Mosley are not comparable to what Leonard went through against Duran, Hearns and Hagler.
Extravagance..And heart. Leonard was one type of a fighter who's willing to go the extra mile to prove himself in a time boxing was still laden with so much talent. He fought everyone people thought he should fight and he's been there in the ring with the toughest, the bravest, and the most skilled. I bet if his body allowed it, he would have campaigned at heavy weight! LOL. But that's Leonard and no pun intended.The same cant be said of Floyd. People could point to Aaron Pryor as the fighter Ray avoided. But if you're fighting bigger, stronger, faster guys, there's no point in proving yourself to a smaller one. If you happen to notice that people on here say Ray Leonard was better than Floyd Mayweather, they are but CORRECT! What Floyd had over Ray was his amazing defensive skills that could certainly put him up there with very best the world has seen in the likes of Pep, Loche, Whitaker and other defensive geniuses.
Leonard had:
1] More power than Floyd;
2] More class than Floyd;
3] Better looking than Floyd;
4] Never beat up a woman as far as I know;
5] Leonard never seemed like boxing saved him from a life of crime;
6] Leonard's persona was good for the sport (which caused other problems, IMHO) whereas Floyd behaves like a pimp.
He had a little more of everything. Highlight films won't show you, because Leonard fought way better competition, and legends, at different weights. When it's all done, and people talk, about Mayweather's classic fights they will say De La Hoya, Mosely, Cotto all coming off recent losses, and struggles, then when you say Leonard you think Duran, Hearns, and Hagler. He fought up to light heavyweight. Mayweather competition was hand picked, and managed.
Physical differences; Leonard was taller and had a longer reach. Leonard also had more power, he even kayod lightheavyweight champion Lalonde. Leonard threw and tended to land more punches throughout his fights while Mayweather is better defensively and more accurate with the few punches he throws.
Image differences; Leonard was many times seen as the golden boy of boxing, his marketability was in his smile which got him tons of cash from endorsements. Mayweathers marketable because of his villain persona but he has few sponsors because of this.
He was more explosive and active than Floyd meaning he had more volume, he also had more power. I think his footwork in his prime was also better than Floyd's but he wasnt as defensive minded.
All that considered I say if they were to fight, Leanard will decision Floyd
He entertertained white people like a coon and floyds could care less about white americans
Accepting the best fights is what separates them. Imagine if Mayweather fought Pacquiao Paul Williams Lara and Margarito and beat them, then all this hype would be justified.
COWARDICE...
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the only COWARD in boxing history
Real tough opponents. Hearns, Duran, Hagler, and etc....
Mayweather only has Pacquiao and he refuses to fight.
I see people on here saying Ray Leonard was better than Floyd Mayweather
he suffered losses, thats what makes him better than floyd...
cus unbeaten record is always subject to suspicion just like marciano's
Heart and not afraid for lose his "0"
Balls.
Jk, lol.
