The outcome of a fantasy showdown between Sugar Ray Leonard and Floyd Mayweather has been debated for many years.
The legendary duo had exceptional professional boxing careers which saw them dominate the sport throughout their respective prime years.
Leonard rose to stardom during the 1980s where he became a member of the ‘Four Kings’ alongside Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. He would go on to win world titles in five divisions throughout his career, as well as the undisputed welterweight championship, which he captured with a historic victory over Hearns in 1981.
Earlier on in his career, Leonard took on Floyd Mayweather Sr in 1978, dropping his rival twice in the eighth round before finishing him off in the tenth.
Mayweather Jr, however, remained unbeaten for the entirety of his career, which spanned between 1996 and 2017. He captured world titles in five weight divisions during this time, boasting victories over the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao amongst many others.
In a YouTube interview, Mayweather Sr was asked what he believes would have happened in a fantasy showdown between his son and ‘Sugar Ray’.
“Well I’m gonna be honest with you. I’m telling you the honest truth, Floyd would have whooped his a**, because I would have whooped his a** because I fought him with ten rounds and when they stopped the fight, hey, I was still right there ready for more, me and him had this talk already about us fighting.”
Both Mayweather and Leonard are often regarded as being two of the greatest fighters of all time, although fans and analysts have often been torn on who they believe to be the greater of the two. Roy Jones Jr recently angered Mayweather for picking Leonard.
Despite the debate, their outstanding legacies will leave a mark on the sport for years to come, as they continue to inspire generation after generation of up-and-coming fighters.
