Paulie Malignaggi has predicted the outcome of a fantasy showdown between legendary welterweight duo Sugar Ray Leonard and Terence Crawford.
Leonard and Crawford are both credited for being two of the greatest fighters of their respective eras, winning world titles in multiple weight divisions between them.
Leonard rose to stardom during the 1980s where he became one of ‘The Four Kings’. The Georgia-native enjoyed considerable success during this period, defeating fellow ‘Four Kings’ Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran along the way.
Crawford has proved himself to be one of the best fighters of all time in more recent years, becoming the first male fighter ever to win an undisputed world championship in three weight classes, a feat he accomplished in September when he defeated Mexican hero Canelo Alvarez.
Speaking to Pro Box TV, two-weight world champion Malignaggi shared his thoughts on who he believes would have prevailed in a fantasy match-up between Ray Leonard and Crawford.
“Sugar Ray Leonard wins because he fought every style okay, he fought Tommy Hearns the tall guy with the big punching power, took him out. Fought Wilfred Benitez, the crafty boxer, savvy world champion, took him out. Roberto Duran was a little bit rugged and raw and feisty and had that savvy dirtiness but you know what he got around that as well in the rematch.
“Sugar Ray Leonard, especially the welterweight Sugar Ray Leonard of the early career, the first title reign, I think if you’re matching him up against the ‘Bud’ Crawford of the welterweight division, Leonard is the more natural welterweight.”
Leonard entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997, just months after he announced his retirement from the sport after 20 years of outstanding achievements and memorable battles.
