Is Leonard More Skilled Than Duran

[GrandpaBernard]

??????????

SRL btw

[rightsideup]

its too close to call prime for prime

[GrandpaBernard]

its too close to call prime for prime

I always see Duran getting his due in most skilled fighters of all time thread

Leonard don't get the same shout

[creekrat77]

I'd say they both are at the same skill level within their own personal styles.

[Holywarrior]

The best Leonard ever beats the best Duran ever. But they are basically in the top 10 most skilled ever

[Anthony342]

Duran probably a little more skilled, but Leonard is the smarter fighter, which he used to beat Duran in their second fight and then to wait until 1989 to fight him a 3rd time.

[Sugar Adam Ali]

I think Duran was a much better all around fighter than srl in terms of skills, but srl was the faster, more athletic, and better fighter

But in terms of pure boxing skills, Duran could do a lot more than Leonard ie defense, counters, those 2 skills I believe Duran was much better at

[Killer_of_Sheep]

Not really, but Leonard was much more athletically gifted.

Duran was a more complete fighter though. His footwork was amazing, he could cut the ring like no other, he's probably the best inside fighter ever, he also was amazing at long range (look how he countered Ray's laser fast jabs with overhand rights) and his defense was excellent in his prime.

[Tarl of Bristol]

Duran probably a little more skilled, but Leonard is the smarter fighter, which he used to beat Duran in their second fight and then to wait until 1989 to fight him a 3rd time.

In my opinion, Roberto Duran was the greatest lightweight I've ever seen.

Roberto Duran was his best at 135. When he moved up even in the first fight that he won against Leonard, he wasn't the same. Roberto still had great wins at the heavier weights and beat some great fighters but that was due to his smarts and his skill. He was fighting above his weight and part of that was for money and the other part was because he would baloon up and it became very difficult for him to make 135.

I think Roberto Duran was the more skilled fighter and I also think that they were pretty close for ring smarts.

[rightsideup]

Not really, but Leonard was much more athletically gifted.

Duran was a more complete fighter though. His footwork was amazing, he could cut the ring like no other, he's probably the best inside fighter ever, he also was amazing at long range (look how he countered Ray's laser fast jabs with overhand rights) and his defense was excellent in his prime.

I think Duran was an underrated athlete lets not forget most people envision him at higher weights and at an advanced age. His stamina was amazing when he trained properly. He also was quick enough to get inside despite being disadvantaged in reach. Leonard was a gymnast in his youth and could have easily excelled in other sports. He also practised martial arts and his childhood hero was Bruce Lee.