People forget how great this man was. Yeah he was a boxer but he had a mean streak in him. All them 4 kings of that era were mean in the ring. Duran, Hagler, Leonard’s and Hearns had that killer instinct
I love Leonard because he was such a nice, happy looking dude but then you throw him in the ring and the man just truly loved to fight and had absolutely zero mercy towards his opponent
He fought all of them and beat Hearns by 14 round TKO, lost to Duran 15 round UD, made Duran quit in their rematch by the 8th, beat Duran once again in their 3rd fight by 12 round SD, and won a 12 round SD against Hagler.
His idol Ray Robinson was even better and a bigger nightmare to face in the ring. The p4p best boxer of all time, at one point he was 129-1 and he was never knocked out in his long career. Watching his highlights gives any boxing enthusiast the chills. And we didn't get to see footage of his early prime years sadly enough.
To me, Sugar Ray Leonard was the embodiment of the quote "absurd what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is uniquely your own". He took on the greatest strengths of his idols, but was mindful of their weaknesses. He wasn't ashamed to borrow techniques from others and be open about it. Another awesome video, Modern Martial Artist. Always an inspiration
What you said about focusing on one thing at a time is really true. For the first year or so that I boxed I really couldn't move my head at all. It just wouldn't click. Then I started working with a new coach and he had me "spar" where I wasn't allowed to punch and my opponent wasn't allowed to blitz/rush - so like a chess match except I couldn't punch back. And once I was just focusing on head movement alone it became easy. And then I worked it in with my hands. But to this day it's easier to do a lot of head movement if I'm JUST doing that, not thinking about countering as I dodge as well
Yeah a good coach will break everything into manageable steps! Then there are gyms where they just throw you in there and don't even care about your health at all. And everything in between. It's so important to find a reputable place.
In my opinion, besides many other virtues and resources as a fighter, he seemed very intelligent and could adapt his style and tactics to different rivals, distances and even moments throughout the fight. That's what amazes me. It's very difficult to think clearly and strategically when your brain is out of oxygen.
@@PrinceoftheVioletFlame They all train and are in great shape, but only a few are able to think strategically, even when tired. That's what amazes me.
There's a lot of "boxing" channels on RUclips that just regurgitate whatever rhetoric casuals want to hear. It's the same type who say that Canelo was too young to fight Floyd.
When i ask my dad about boxers he saw, one of the mentioned is Sugar Ray, same with my grandfather, your videos always make these breakdowns clarify and expand how great these warriors were
The blistering hand speed of Leonard was what I remembered the most. He didn't have the power that Hearns or Duran had, but he was throwing twice in the time they took to measure up one shot. Its telling that in a lot of these summary videos most of the featured opponents are - well, kinda bums - not the Leonard video though, most of the guys you just watched getting schooled had worn title belts during their career. Ray just transcended those guys.
UK here. Leonard was one of five greats who fought around the same weight and it made for wonderful and excit fights but, Ali aside, Leonard was the only boxer/fighter who could and did make me watch his fights in the middle of the night 100% of the time.
Estimados este es el mejor boxeador de la historia, nadie ningún boxeador hasta el presente a sido tan completo técnica y físicamente, además inteligente, si lo comparas con los más grandes de la historia del boxeo sin importar la epoca , tendras la realidad de entender ningún peleador tuvo jamás esas condiciones juntas a ese extraordinario nivel
sugar ray is, in my opinion, the most complete boxer that ever was... he was crazy good at pretty much everything, and when you combine this with the insane reflexes and footwork he had, made him a beast in the ring... everyone who wants to study about boxing, will do well to watch his fights
I remember as a kid in the UK watching his fights on ITV Sports and just knowing, somehow, he was special. His movement, the way he makes elite level boxers look slow, wow!
100 percent agreed. I'd say he is likely the greatest there ever was, even over Ali. He was also smart outside of the ring, getting out of the game before he had any lasting brain damage and not squandering his money. He stood toe to toe with some of the deadliest punchers to ever exist, Hearns, Hagler, Duran. He didn't retire with a perfect record, but the mark of a TRUE champion isn't to never lose, but to come back from a loss even better than before.
When I was a little kid I was obsessed with boxing but I was born in the 80s so we didn’t quite have access to see fighters like we do these days with RUclips and all the outlets. My father used to tell me about sugar ray leonard how great he is and I became obsessed with him and I had never even seen him. So I started high school in the mid 90s and I got a library card. I immediately went to the sports section and got a boxing book and took it home. I started flicking through the book and every page had a different all time great … then all of a sudden I turned the page and seen Sugar Ray Leonard! My first thought was “oh my God he’s a black guy” 😂 I genuinely had no clue he was black and I remember being so shocked. Then I went on a mission to get tapes of his fights and ever since then he’s been my number 1 boxer of all time. Yes, there are guys out there that are still hero’s and all time greats but Leonard had it all! Amazing speed, footwork, power, flurry’s, heart, chin, showmanship… fought in an era with some of the greatest fighters of all time. 15 round fights, horsehair gloves, only 2 belts to a weight class. Can you even begin to imagine what it would be like staring at a 22 year old undefeated knockout machine Tommy “the hitman” Hearns as the ref gives you final instructions knowing you might have to endure 15 rounds of his jab and right hand that would put light heavyweights to sleep. Leonard did, and knocked him out in the 14th round to unify the welterweight titles. We will NEVER see the likes of these greats again.
He was absolutely brilliant. What always strikes me going back through the footage is not just his flawless technique, timing, footwork and rhythm- but his power. He cracked jaws that he shouldn't have been able to given his physique, and the granite in said jaws. The first fight with Hearns being an excellent example. Not to mention he had a great jaw himself👍
@ryand141 so much idiocy in one small statement😆 Steroids? Look at the guy! The jaw thing? Do steroids give you a tougher jaw? No. Have you even sparred let alone been in a ring? I think I already know the answer to that...
@jessebell1930 OK, maybe not steroids for the jaw, but they're definitely on cocaïne or some other drug or stimulants that numb pain. I'll guarantee it. There is no way the they can take that much punishment without drugs. To ko someone takes about 1000 lbs of pressure to the jaw. That goes for anyone on planet earth.
He won his first title when I was 13 - at school on the Monday everyone was talking about him, how slick and fast he was, even though he was unknown in the UK at that point and just got some highlights on TV. As well as bringing a balletic quality, and an almost unique ability to work opponents out mid-fight, he had a very strong chin. Nobody could stand up to Hearns as a welter, but Leonard took some of his best punches flush and hardly blinked. My all time favourite.
Yes indeed sugar ray leonard was the complete boxer. He had skill speed power heart stamina endurance and electrifying hand speed. He also had a fab boxing brain. He was like a special forces thinking solider. He was the thinking boxer. He was also a fab showman , after all boxing is showbusiness with blood. Hearns duran and Benitez were all superb. , but Ray Leonard was superbly magnificent. 😊Great post . It was narrated with a wealth and expertise of boxing knowledge.
Sugar Ray Leonard exemplifies Bruce Lee’s philosophy of “being like water.” His ability to adjust his fighting style to counter any opponent made him a versatile and formidable boxer.
Ray Leonard before the retina tear is the best fighter to ever step in a boxing ring. He mastered every boxing skill that exists and he had no weaknesses. After the retina he took a long layoff and was just a shell of himself when he came back.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 🥊 Sugar *Ray Leonard showcased exceptional footwork, emphasizing timing as a crucial element in his fighting style.* 🏅 Leonard *achieved success across three weight classes, earned an Olympic gold medal, and held the Undisputed welterweight Championship.* 🦋 At *long range, Leonard resembled a butterfly, using cross steps, lateral shuffles, and L steps for elusive and strategic movement.* 🥋 His *footwork transition tactics, including the L step, allowed him to change directions rapidly and confound elite opponents.* ⚖️ Leonard *seamlessly transitioned between outboxing, mid-range counter punching, and becoming a relentless brawler based on the situation.* 🎯 Leonard's *counter-punching style, with a mid to low guard, showcased his exceptional reaction time and strategic defensive maneuvers.* 🔥 Leonard's *combinations were a key aspect of his style, often throwing three to four punches before defensively countering his opponent.* 💥 When *pursuing a knockout, Leonard abandoned his tactical approach, becoming a power puncher, willing to take shots for the victory.* Made with HARPA AI
Please breakdown Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield's gamelan for Tyson. You'd be perfect guy because you offer an unbiased insight and you'd a great job explaining the circumstances surrounding that fight.
Leonard would have had more fights if not for motivation. In his autobiography he admits that he was only able to give it 110% in training for major fights
Sugar Ray Leonard was a brilliant inteligent boxer. They way he could move his fetes, throw punches from odd angles, the speed, the defense, his counter punches and ring IQ was nothing but masterpiece of the art of boxing. Floyd Mayweather Jr wished he was up on Leonard's level! Still I have him losing to Marvelous Marvin Hagler in there 1987 bout, but it does not take away his greatness.
Fantastic breakdown of a legendary fighter. You stated at the outset that he fought and beat the 4 best fighters in their (changing) weight classes. Duran, Hagler (a shocker for me), Hearns ... and? I can’t think of another. Perhaps Benitez? Lots of footage of the Hatton fight but he doesn’t belong that category. Anyone?
Sugar Ray Leonard will tired you out flat...if you gaze too much, he will overpower you with a lot at devastating power combinations..he is also a brawler, a brutal and mean fighter...he also has the greatest timing in boxing...he knows every moves of his opponents..he intercepts his opponents moves..he also a master counter puncher..he once said Bruce Lee was my idol and inspiration
Sugar Ray Leonard was a beast. An absolute monster. What he could do in there was amazing. His chin, his heart, his talent, his speed, his IQ. What he did vs Hearns in the first fight alone makes him a top 10 all time.
Sugar Ray Leonard had all the physical, mental, spiritual attributes of a truly great champion. He also had the trinity in speed, strength and stamina. Most great fighters have two but Leonard was unique in that he had all three.
Sugar Ray rejuvenated the boxing scene after Ali's retirement to the point where everyone gravitated towards Leonard and especially those who constantly ragged about him including opponents. He was often accused of not being a big time slugger yet he often dismantled opponents who were never knocked down before with his cat like reflexes and superior skill set. Hagler was an absolute beast throughout his long career there was no way Ray Leonard could beat him in a slug fest but even the marvelous one fell for that bolo punch haha! Leonard was masterful...and definitely a goat 🐐 👍👍🤘🥊🥊
Only people with that speed, reflexes and technical ability can be that defensively irresponsible. It's not a style I would learn from personally. The outboxing is perfection though.
At his peak when he he he had the perfect timing, reflexes, leg strength he was the best I ever. All the old timers told me Ray Robinson was the best. My dream fight would be Ray vs Ray at welterweight at their physical peak.
David, in my opinion, the ultimate dream boxing match would be a prime Sugar Ray Leonard (right after he knocked out Hearns in their 1st fight) vs a prime Manny Pacquiao (right after he knocked out De La Hoya) at the Welterweight limit of 147 lbs. Both are legendary champions, however in my opinion, Manny Pacquiao would win in the later rounds by TKO. Even though Sugar Ray Leonard may be a little faster than Pacquiao, my prediction is that “Pac-Man” would win in the later rounds 8 or 9 by TKO because his fighting style is so awkward and unorthodox and he hits his opponents and counters you at all these different angles, that Ray Leonard would eventually move into something or just get caught! That’s my dream match prediction. 😎🔥🥇 🥊🥊🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💖✝️
The best reaction time of all time IMO is Ali. It's what allowed him to be 'sloppy' in what we generally regard as proper boxing skills (hands down, head up).
This is amazing, its all the more reason why Roberto Duran was pound for pound one of the all time greats, only man to truly beat him, just beautiful. There will never be another more perfect fight.
That's true. Duran getting so deep in his head is what won him that fight as he said in his own words. Made him fight his kind of fight and managed to outpower him. He should've never given him the rematches imo.. It's one of those fights were he should've just took the win and moved on cause than it was obvious that Leonard will come back with the intention of outpointing him to a decision win.
The fight with between Hagler and Leonard could've went either way but obviously the judges will favor Ray since he was kind of the star of that era and the money man. The fights with Hearns were phenomenal but the stoppage in the first one was a bit premature even though I think that Leonard would've still ko'd him. Then in the 2nd fight most ppl including Leonard himself believe that Hearns was unjustly robbed of his earned victory after putting Leonard on the canvas twice. One of the judges literally scored one of the later rounds 10-8 in favor of Ray without him scoring any knockdowns just so she can save him with a draw as it was later discovered that she was a Leonard fan.. Hearns however was happy with the result because he still felt that he won and killed that monster that haunted him after he was stopped in their first fight.
@@augustuspatrone6790 i like leonard more but duran was fat, partying, and drinking ... the sudden call of having to fight leonard showed he was unprepared also his manager agreeing to the fight even though duran didn’t and if you watched durans documentary leonard knew duran was out of shape and planned to fight an unprepared duran ...
Leonard was possibly the best athlete to ever box. He had it all. When he had guys hurt, like in the first Hearns fight (possibly the greatest fight of all time), his hands would land punches in bunches and wouldn't miss. He finished Hearns off with bombs. People think because he had a smile and pretty face he couldn't really be that great. He was a killer in that ring.
Summary of the vid: He had Ali like fleeting Outboxing and footwork, Willie Pep like head movement and his own rhythmic style along with his Robinson flurries. He used three main strats at Long range outboxing, angled counterpuncher with blazing combinations at mid range and at some point he became a merciless anti-technique brawler. Used L Step to change direction with his cross step, fastest tech lateral shuffles/side steps darting back and forth before attacking a tricked opp and moving out, if he was cross stepping he would lateral split step to Lateral shuffle back out. Rapidly changing his momentum with these transitions (L Step) he didn’t just want to outpoint from long range. He could go from circling to barrelling in to an opp, making him exciting to watch. Toe to toe at mid range, He would stutter his movement and rhythm to make his opp react to a punch not coming and he would attack as they relaxed. He would also double step, adding another beat unexpected or change his cadence varying speed and movement. He used the split step to do this as well sinking in a swing or power punch swiftly. He did his best at mid range at a steady pace with his counter being a true fundamental of his style. Inviting punches whilst having a wide stance as he circled squared up allowing power punches from either hand and upping head movement. Each duck allowed a power punch load up. He pulled this by reactions. His mid to low guard helped him to do this with clear sight going back and forth in defence and offence not really intercepting unless there was a break in a Ops rhythm, counterpunching or comboing with this same mentality. When Leonard wanted a KO, he would use his weight to power punch as a slugger ditching his technique and tatics whilst his opponent was low and easy to go down.
Any one to dispute this has to measure who each fought. Any of the Four Kings beats any of FMjr’s top opponents. Hagler vs. Canelo? Duran vs DelaHoya? Hearns vs Pacquaio? A different level. A superior era.
When I watch something like an anime with seemingly-impossible choreography, I think back to Sugar Ray's foot movement and instincts in the first minute of this video. Absolute insanity.
Our Martial Arts Comic (Parts 1 & 2): www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM7KR39M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13I33OS7CJMMN
Part 2: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM8BF6NX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UGQNGLR6NP24&
Thanks again.i got a kung fu movie 4 u.Game of killers. Utube.
Both boxer Roy Jones Jr and Sugar Ray Leonard has the best timing in boxing
People forget how great this man was. Yeah he was a boxer but he had a mean streak in him. All them 4 kings of that era were mean in the ring. Duran, Hagler, Leonard’s and Hearns had that killer instinct
Of recent boxers Floyd is the only one level with the 4 kings
@@LeadLeftLeon I think GGG also gives all four of them a good fight.
Facts
I love Leonard because he was such a nice, happy looking dude but then you throw him in the ring and the man just truly loved to fight and had absolutely zero mercy towards his opponent
He fought all of them and beat Hearns by 14 round TKO, lost to Duran 15 round UD, made Duran quit in their rematch by the 8th, beat Duran once again in their 3rd fight by 12 round SD, and won a 12 round SD against Hagler.
I believe he's the most complete fighter ever. Could box, bang, and throw the quickest combinations I have ever seen!
Sugar Ray Robinson
@@cyberjayhd7051 i was going to say the same thing.
Roberto Duran
His idol Ray Robinson was even better and a bigger nightmare to face in the ring. The p4p best boxer of all time, at one point he was 129-1 and he was never knocked out in his long career. Watching his highlights gives any boxing enthusiast the chills. And we didn't get to see footage of his early prime years sadly enough.
What a ridiculous comment, not even close to the most complete.
To me, Sugar Ray Leonard was the embodiment of the quote "absurd what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is uniquely your own". He took on the greatest strengths of his idols, but was mindful of their weaknesses. He wasn't ashamed to borrow techniques from others and be open about it.
Another awesome video, Modern Martial Artist. Always an inspiration
you mean "absorb" not "absurd" lol but yes he was a huge bruce lee fanatic
What you said about focusing on one thing at a time is really true. For the first year or so that I boxed I really couldn't move my head at all. It just wouldn't click. Then I started working with a new coach and he had me "spar" where I wasn't allowed to punch and my opponent wasn't allowed to blitz/rush - so like a chess match except I couldn't punch back. And once I was just focusing on head movement alone it became easy. And then I worked it in with my hands. But to this day it's easier to do a lot of head movement if I'm JUST doing that, not thinking about countering as I dodge as well
Yeah a good coach will break everything into manageable steps! Then there are gyms where they just throw you in there and don't even care about your health at all. And everything in between. It's so important to find a reputable place.
I get that too brother,need to counter punch more. Keep up the hard work
In my opinion, besides many other virtues and resources as a fighter, he seemed very intelligent and could adapt his style and tactics to different rivals, distances and even moments throughout the fight. That's what amazes me. It's very difficult to think clearly and strategically when your brain is out of oxygen.
Thats why they train to be in such great shape that they have more then enough oxygen they need to fight.
@@PrinceoftheVioletFlame They all train and are in great shape, but only a few are able to think strategically, even when tired. That's what amazes me.
There’s a popular boxing channel that claims Sugar wasn’t a good boxer, he just has athleticism which is insane. I’m glad this vid came out.
that channel is jus trying to get clout , they know saying that will bring in views and interaction
There's a lot of "boxing" channels on RUclips that just regurgitate whatever rhetoric casuals want to hear. It's the same type who say that Canelo was too young to fight Floyd.
What channel
@@projectc.j.j3310 Fouts Boxing Theory
Never watch that channel again
When i ask my dad about boxers he saw, one of the mentioned is Sugar Ray, same with my grandfather, your videos always make these breakdowns clarify and expand how great these warriors were
The blistering hand speed of Leonard was what I remembered the most. He didn't have the power that Hearns or Duran had, but he was throwing twice in the time they took to measure up one shot. Its telling that in a lot of these summary videos most of the featured opponents are - well, kinda bums - not the Leonard video though, most of the guys you just watched getting schooled had worn title belts during their career. Ray just transcended those guys.
UK here. Leonard was one of five greats who fought around the same weight and it made for wonderful and excit fights but, Ali aside, Leonard was the only boxer/fighter who could and did make me watch his fights in the middle of the night 100% of the time.
To me he's the most complete boxer in history. Power, speed, footwork, IQ and charisma. He's top 5 ATG for me.
Estimados este es el mejor boxeador de la historia, nadie ningún boxeador hasta el presente a sido tan completo técnica y físicamente, además inteligente, si lo comparas con los más grandes de la historia del boxeo sin importar la epoca , tendras la realidad de entender ningún peleador tuvo jamás esas condiciones juntas a ese extraordinario nivel
sugar ray is, in my opinion, the most complete boxer that ever was... he was crazy good at pretty much everything, and when you combine this with the insane reflexes and footwork he had, made him a beast in the ring...
everyone who wants to study about boxing, will do well to watch his fights
I remember as a kid in the UK watching his fights on ITV Sports and just knowing, somehow, he was special. His movement, the way he makes elite level boxers look slow, wow!
100 percent agreed. I'd say he is likely the greatest there ever was, even over Ali. He was also smart outside of the ring, getting out of the game before he had any lasting brain damage and not squandering his money. He stood toe to toe with some of the deadliest punchers to ever exist, Hearns, Hagler, Duran. He didn't retire with a perfect record, but the mark of a TRUE champion isn't to never lose, but to come back from a loss even better than before.
My all time favourite fighter. He was a superstar in an era of kings.
Leonard was a thing of Beauty to behold. Heart of a lion in the body of a ballet dancer.... Deadly dagger in a velvet glove
I’d say Afro Lenard was better then short haired Lenard
When I was a little kid I was obsessed with boxing but I was born in the 80s so we didn’t quite have access to see fighters like we do these days with RUclips and all the outlets. My father used to tell me about sugar ray leonard how great he is and I became obsessed with him and I had never even seen him. So I started high school in the mid 90s and I got a library card. I immediately went to the sports section and got a boxing book and took it home. I started flicking through the book and every page had a different all time great … then all of a sudden I turned the page and seen Sugar Ray Leonard! My first thought was “oh my God he’s a black guy” 😂 I genuinely had no clue he was black and I remember being so shocked. Then I went on a mission to get tapes of his fights and ever since then he’s been my number 1 boxer of all time. Yes, there are guys out there that are still hero’s and all time greats but Leonard had it all! Amazing speed, footwork, power, flurry’s, heart, chin, showmanship… fought in an era with some of the greatest fighters of all time. 15 round fights, horsehair gloves, only 2 belts to a weight class. Can you even begin to imagine what it would be like staring at a 22 year old undefeated knockout machine Tommy “the hitman” Hearns as the ref gives you final instructions knowing you might have to endure 15 rounds of his jab and right hand that would put light heavyweights to sleep. Leonard did, and knocked him out in the 14th round to unify the welterweight titles. We will NEVER see the likes of these greats again.
He was absolutely brilliant. What always strikes me going back through the footage is not just his flawless technique, timing, footwork and rhythm- but his power. He cracked jaws that he shouldn't have been able to given his physique, and the granite in said jaws. The first fight with Hearns being an excellent example. Not to mention he had a great jaw himself👍
The whole jaw thing is upper rubbish. He was on f...g steroids. I believe Duran and possibly Hearns were cleaner fighters.
@ryand141 so much idiocy in one small statement😆 Steroids? Look at the guy! The jaw thing? Do steroids give you a tougher jaw? No. Have you even sparred let alone been in a ring? I think I already know the answer to that...
@jessebell1930 lol. OK tough guy.
@jessebell1930 OK, maybe not steroids for the jaw, but they're definitely on cocaïne or some other drug or stimulants that numb pain. I'll guarantee it. There is no way the they can take that much punishment without drugs. To ko someone takes about 1000 lbs of pressure to the jaw. That goes for anyone on planet earth.
@ryand141 "tough guy"? 😆😆😆 No just I actually know what I am talking about😉
He won his first title when I was 13 - at school on the Monday everyone was talking about him, how slick and fast he was, even though he was unknown in the UK at that point and just got some highlights on TV. As well as bringing a balletic quality, and an almost unique ability to work opponents out mid-fight, he had a very strong chin. Nobody could stand up to Hearns as a welter, but Leonard took some of his best punches flush and hardly blinked. My all time favourite.
That time in boxing was so magical and exciting. One of my favorite fighters.
Yes indeed sugar ray leonard was the complete boxer. He had skill speed power heart stamina endurance and electrifying hand speed. He also had a fab boxing brain. He was like a special forces thinking solider. He was the thinking boxer. He was also a fab showman , after all boxing is showbusiness with blood. Hearns duran and Benitez were all superb. , but Ray Leonard was superbly magnificent. 😊Great post . It was narrated with a wealth and expertise of boxing knowledge.
Leonard had it all.
Speed, feints, KO power, adaptability, footwork...
Which is why he was the best in his prime.
0:28 that windmil nut shot made me burst out laughing 🤣
My favorite boxer of all time. Sugar Ray was a Beast
Sugar Ray Leonard exemplifies Bruce Lee’s philosophy of “being like water.” His ability to adjust his fighting style to counter any opponent made him a versatile and formidable boxer.
He was one of the best boxers of all time. Very good video, I really needed a Ray Leonard breakdown
This boxer Sugar Ray leonard did not have mistake in the ring..everything he do was elegant
My favorite boxer of all time, so hyped you finally made this video
His first fight with Duran is without a doubt the greatest fight ever seen
Love that Leonard was so good he left the sport with all of his faculties intact
The sugar man is in my top 10 favorite boxers of all time.
I’ve had the pleasure to watch his whole career and without doubt he is my all time favorite boxer to watch in the ring 👍
Bro is a genius of boxing
Excellent Vidcha! This is my favorite boxer // the fighter that got me into boxing
Ima big fan of yours! You make very informational videos just letting y’all know!
Love the video! That transition from technical fighter to brawler is evident today in Bud Crawford !
Ray Leonard before the retina tear is the best fighter to ever step in a boxing ring. He mastered every boxing skill that exists and he had no weaknesses. After the retina he took a long layoff and was just a shell of himself when he came back.
Delusional asf
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
🥊 Sugar *Ray Leonard showcased exceptional footwork, emphasizing timing as a crucial element in his fighting style.*
🏅 Leonard *achieved success across three weight classes, earned an Olympic gold medal, and held the Undisputed welterweight Championship.*
🦋 At *long range, Leonard resembled a butterfly, using cross steps, lateral shuffles, and L steps for elusive and strategic movement.*
🥋 His *footwork transition tactics, including the L step, allowed him to change directions rapidly and confound elite opponents.*
⚖️ Leonard *seamlessly transitioned between outboxing, mid-range counter punching, and becoming a relentless brawler based on the situation.*
🎯 Leonard's *counter-punching style, with a mid to low guard, showcased his exceptional reaction time and strategic defensive maneuvers.*
🔥 Leonard's *combinations were a key aspect of his style, often throwing three to four punches before defensively countering his opponent.*
💥 When *pursuing a knockout, Leonard abandoned his tactical approach, becoming a power puncher, willing to take shots for the victory.*
Made with HARPA AI
Young Ray Leonard was possibly the most spectacular fighter in the history of boxing.
Wow! What a beautiful breakdown! Loved it David! Keep up the good work!
0:42 I always rooted for Ray Leonard, even when he wore these boxing trunks.
Just bought your three books, and I want you to know you are doing a great job and I look forward to your future videos.
I’m glad you did an updated video on sugar
Leonard is my favorite of all time
Please breakdown Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield's gamelan for Tyson. You'd be perfect guy because you offer an unbiased insight and you'd a great job explaining the circumstances surrounding that fight.
he employed headbutt techniques 😮
One word to describe the man, gifted. But hes so much more than that, he's the definition of how you make gifts shine.
Leonard would have had more fights if not for motivation. In his autobiography he admits that he was only able to give it 110% in training for major fights
Talent + heart = Warrior!
Sugar Ray Leonard was a brilliant inteligent boxer. They way he could move his fetes, throw punches from odd angles, the speed, the defense, his counter punches and
ring IQ was nothing but masterpiece of the art of boxing. Floyd Mayweather Jr wished he was up on Leonard's level!
Still I have him losing to Marvelous Marvin Hagler in there 1987 bout, but it does not take away his greatness.
Man that sugar was so nasty. One of the greatest
15 rounds.. the Champions era
As usual, great analysis of one of the greatest fighters of my lifetime, and, indeed, any era. 🥊
What a ATG boxer!
Fun to watch, great footwork, can fight at any range in a matter of moments, & fought the who's who of that era.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!
Thanks for the treat, David.
That bolo shot was very very very low but the Marvellous One never cried
Not only he was the full package. He was a speed freak!
Sugar Leonard balance was damn near perfect something that neither of his heroes Ali nor Robinson had
Fantastic breakdown of a legendary fighter. You stated at the outset that he fought and beat the 4 best fighters in their (changing) weight classes. Duran, Hagler (a shocker for me), Hearns ... and? I can’t think of another. Perhaps Benitez? Lots of footage of the Hatton fight but he doesn’t belong that category. Anyone?
Sugar Ray Leonard will tired you out flat...if you gaze too much, he will overpower you with a lot at devastating power combinations..he is also a brawler, a brutal and mean fighter...he also has the greatest timing in boxing...he knows every moves of his opponents..he intercepts his opponents moves..he also a master counter puncher..he once said Bruce Lee was my idol and inspiration
Yeah this guy has really shows us how good Ray was and still good to watch. As he said 4 kings very true thanks
Sugar Ray Leonard was a beast. An absolute monster. What he could do in there was amazing. His chin, his heart, his talent, his speed, his IQ. What he did vs Hearns in the first fight alone makes him a top 10 all time.
Sugar Ray Leonard have it all
Sugar Ray Leonard had all the physical, mental, spiritual attributes of a truly great champion. He also had the trinity in speed, strength and stamina. Most great fighters have two but Leonard was unique in that he had all three.
The best of the best nobody's better than Sugar Ray Leonard believe ve
The best boxer ever Sugar Ray Leonard
When you talking about style this man sugar Ray Leonard have the number one so far the best complete fighter nobody's like him
Nobody's can't say..no this is better than Sugar Ray Leonard..no comparison
Could you please breakdown the second Patterson vs Ali fight? Those are two of my favorite heavyweights. Love the content, keep it up
My favorite boxer of all time and the best I’ve ever seen based on who he faced
Sugar Ray Robinson pound for pound, was the greatest boxer who ever lived.
Sugar Ray rejuvenated the boxing scene after Ali's retirement to the point where everyone gravitated towards Leonard and especially those who constantly ragged about him including opponents. He was often accused of not being a big time slugger yet he often dismantled opponents who were never knocked down before with his cat like reflexes and superior skill set. Hagler was an absolute beast throughout his long career there was no way Ray Leonard could beat him in a slug fest but even the marvelous one fell for that bolo punch haha! Leonard was masterful...and definitely a goat 🐐 👍👍🤘🥊🥊
10:58 DJ MENTIONED RAHHHH
IMO, the Leonard -v- Hagler fight is the best fight of all time. Both were my favorite all-time fighters.
When you say greatest yes.. sugar Ray Leonard
Yes! My 2nd favorite boxer of all time. 2nd only to Ali for me personally.
Top narration and analysis as always
Only people with that speed, reflexes and technical ability can be that defensively irresponsible. It's not a style I would learn from personally. The outboxing is perfection though.
What a beast of a boxer, skillful at everything
Please may you breakdown Sugar Ray Leonard vs Floyd Mayweather Sr?
I need to learn his footwork
Leonard is one of boxing finest techician. Almost perfect boxer.
Ali getting a live tribute from two great boxers is just precious
At his peak when he he he had the perfect timing, reflexes, leg strength he was the best I ever. All the old timers told me Ray Robinson was the best. My dream fight would be Ray vs Ray at welterweight at their physical peak.
David, in my opinion, the ultimate dream boxing match would be a prime Sugar Ray Leonard (right after he knocked out Hearns in their 1st fight) vs a prime Manny Pacquiao (right after he knocked out De La Hoya) at the Welterweight limit of 147 lbs. Both are legendary champions, however in my opinion, Manny Pacquiao would win in the later rounds by TKO. Even though Sugar Ray Leonard may be a little faster than Pacquiao, my prediction is that “Pac-Man” would win in the later rounds 8 or 9 by TKO because his fighting style is so awkward and unorthodox and he hits his opponents and counters you at all these different angles, that Ray Leonard would eventually move into something or just get caught! That’s my dream match prediction. 😎🔥🥇
🥊🥊🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💖✝️
Sugar Ray will always my BOXING LEGEND..
The best reaction time of all time IMO is Ali. It's what allowed him to be 'sloppy' in what we generally regard as proper boxing skills (hands down, head up).
One of the best of all time, always a pleasure to watch him fight,
Do I didn't see him beating hagler
Great Breakdown!
This is amazing, its all the more reason why Roberto Duran was pound for pound one of the all time greats, only man to truly beat him, just beautiful. There will never be another more perfect fight.
true it’s still impressive how well leonard did fighting in durans own game
That's true. Duran getting so deep in his head is what won him that fight as he said in his own words. Made him fight his kind of fight and managed to outpower him. He should've never given him the rematches imo.. It's one of those fights were he should've just took the win and moved on cause than it was obvious that Leonard will come back with the intention of outpointing him to a decision win.
The fight with between Hagler and Leonard could've went either way but obviously the judges will favor Ray since he was kind of the star of that era and the money man. The fights with Hearns were phenomenal but the stoppage in the first one was a bit premature even though I think that Leonard would've still ko'd him. Then in the 2nd fight most ppl including Leonard himself believe that Hearns was unjustly robbed of his earned victory after putting Leonard on the canvas twice. One of the judges literally scored one of the later rounds 10-8 in favor of Ray without him scoring any knockdowns just so she can save him with a draw as it was later discovered that she was a Leonard fan.. Hearns however was happy with the result because he still felt that he won and killed that monster that haunted him after he was stopped in their first fight.
No mas
@@augustuspatrone6790 i like leonard more but duran was fat, partying, and drinking ... the sudden call of having to fight leonard showed he was unprepared also his manager agreeing to the fight even though duran didn’t and if you watched durans documentary leonard knew duran was out of shape and planned to fight an unprepared duran ...
great stuff as always...
Great video coverage 💯
I'd loved to have seen peak Leonard Vs peak Mayweather. What a fight that would have been.
Leonard was possibly the best athlete to ever box. He had it all.
When he had guys hurt, like in the first Hearns fight (possibly the greatest fight of all time), his hands would land punches in bunches and wouldn't miss. He finished Hearns off with bombs. People think because he had a smile and pretty face he couldn't really be that great. He was a killer in that ring.
Summary of the vid: He had Ali like fleeting Outboxing and footwork, Willie Pep like head movement and his own rhythmic style along with his Robinson flurries.
He used three main strats at Long range outboxing, angled counterpuncher with blazing combinations at mid range and at some point he became a merciless anti-technique brawler. Used L Step to change direction with his cross step, fastest tech lateral shuffles/side steps darting back and forth before attacking a tricked opp and moving out, if he was cross stepping he would lateral split step to Lateral shuffle back out. Rapidly changing his momentum with these transitions (L Step) he didn’t just want to outpoint from long range.
He could go from circling to barrelling in to an opp, making him exciting to watch. Toe to toe at mid range, He would stutter his movement and rhythm to make his opp react to a punch not coming and he would attack as they relaxed. He would also double step, adding another beat unexpected or change his cadence varying speed and movement. He used the split step to do this as well sinking in a swing or power punch swiftly.
He did his best at mid range at a steady pace with his counter being a true fundamental of his style. Inviting punches whilst having a wide stance as he circled squared up allowing power punches from either hand and upping head movement. Each duck allowed a power punch load up. He pulled this by reactions.
His mid to low guard helped him to do this with clear sight going back and forth in defence and offence not really intercepting unless there was a break in a Ops rhythm, counterpunching or comboing with this same mentality.
When Leonard wanted a KO, he would use his weight to power punch as a slugger ditching his technique and tatics whilst his opponent was low and easy to go down.
Prime SRL >>>> Prime FMj
I would want him to be same age as Floyd, so Floyd couldn’t just wait for the older fighter to be easier to beat
Any one to dispute this has to measure who each fought. Any of the Four Kings beats any of FMjr’s top opponents. Hagler vs. Canelo? Duran vs DelaHoya? Hearns vs Pacquaio? A different level. A superior era.
@@andu1854more charismatic. smarter, faster, hits harder, and has a killer instinct… SRL wins all around, even the judges would favor him over FMjr.
That dumb TBE fantasy was repeated so many times that people now want to say such abvious things like "SRL would beat Floyds ass"
Now you need to talk about Sugar Shane Mosely
11:15
He didn't inherit the "Ray" part, that was his actual name. In fact, Sugar Ray Robinson wasn't even named Ray.
He was named after 2 genii called Ray Robinson! 😎🥊
I'm 57 and in my opinion Ray was the greatest pound for pound in my lifetime.
Gosh, I really like the gloves they like using before. It is more aesthetic.
Ray is one of the greatest to ever do it
Was waiting for this breakdown...
When I watch something like an anime with seemingly-impossible choreography, I think back to Sugar Ray's foot movement and instincts in the first minute of this video. Absolute insanity.