Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Terence Crawford is an intriguing fantasy clash that has been debated by boxing fans for years.
‘Sugar Ray’ often receives credit for being one of, if not the greatest fighter in boxing history. Boasting a glittering professional career that most fighters would only dream of, he captured world titles in five weight classes, tasting defeat on just several occasions.
‘Bud’ Crawford is unquestionably one of the greatest fighters of the last decade. The 37-year-old from Omaha has already won world titles in four weight classes, as well as the undisputed world championship in the super-lightweight and welterweight divisions.
One man who has spoken out about a fantasy match-up between Leonard and Crawford is retired two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi, who now works as an analyst and commentator.
Speaking to ProBox TV, Malignaggi gave his reasoning for why he believes ‘Sugar Ray’ would have prevailed in a showdown with 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 was one of the ‘Four Kings’ alongside former rivals Duran, Hearns and Hagler. He was a dominant force during the 1980s, with the most defining victory of his incredible career coming against ‘Hands of Stone’ back in their rematch in 1980, where he forced the Panamanian icon to quit at the end of the eighth round.
