Teddy Atlas, the renowned trainer turned analyst, has shared his thoughts on two of boxing's greatest fighters. He ranked Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard in his all-time pound-for-pound list, giving fans a fresh perspective on the legendary 'Four Kings' era.
Atlas placed Duran at number 10 on his list. He said:
"He was a great lightweight, and then he upset the world by winning the welterweight title. I'm sorry he's not higher on the list."
Duran's career was marked by his dominance as a lightweight and his shocking upset to claim the welterweight title. His record against the other 'Kings' includes one win and two losses against Leonard, and losses to both Hagler and Hearns.
Leonard landed at number 9 on Atlas's list. The trainer explained:
"If you can take the 'Sugar Ray' name and get away with it, without embarrassing the name, and he did. He made us think of another Sugar Ray."
Atlas sees Leonard as worthy of sharing a name with Sugar Ray Robinson, who he ranks at number two all-time. Leonard's career highlights include defeating the unbeaten Wilfred Benitez for his first world title, beating Ayub Kalule for the super welterweight crown, and overcoming Donny Lalonde in a two-title bout for super middleweight and light heavyweight belts.
Leonard's record against his fellow 'Kings' is impressive. He won two out of three fights against Duran, secured a controversial win over Hagler, and had a win and a controversial draw against Hearns.
The 'Four Kings' era, which included Duran, Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Thomas Hearns, defined an unparalleled period of skill, grit, and drama in boxing. Each of these fighters faced off against the others at least once, with Leonard being the only one to defeat all three of his rivals.
Atlas's rankings offer a fresh look at these boxing legends, sparking new debates among fans about the greatest fighters of all time. His insights remind us of the incredible talent and achievements of Duran and Leonard, two pillars of one of boxing's most exciting eras.
