Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran agree on boxing's greatest fighter. The two legendary boxers, known for their fierce rivalry, both point to Sugar Ray Robinson as the best of all time.
Leonard and Duran fought three times in the 1980s. Their first bout in Montreal went to Duran. Leonard evened the score in New Orleans, famous for Duran's "No Mas" moment. The trilogy wrapped up in 1989 with Leonard winning by unanimous decision.
Despite their heated competition, the former rivals share the same opinion on boxing's greatest. Leonard made his stance clear in an interview with ESPN.
"Someone once said there was a comparison between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson. Believe me, there's no comparison. Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest."
Duran echoed this sentiment in a recent interview with ES News, emphatically stating:
"Sugar Ray Robinson, he's the best! Sugar Ray Robinson is the best!"
Robinson's career stats back up their claims. He fought nearly 200 professional bouts and won 174 of them. He held world titles at welterweight and middleweight. His speed, footwork, and ability to blend power with skill set the standard for future generations.
Many consider Robinson the first true modern boxer. His influence on the sport can't be overstated. He paved the way for fighters like Leonard and Duran.
When two of boxing's best from the modern era pick Robinson as the greatest, it carries weight. For Leonard and Duran, the conversation about the GOAT ends with Sugar Ray Robinson.
