Sugar Ray Leonard names hardest puncher he faced – Sports News
Sugar Ray Leonard, a five-weight world champion and Olympic gold medalist, is extensively considered one of boxing’s all-time greats. Emerging from the golden period of the game, Leonard was a member of the long-lasting ‘Four Kings’ alongside Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran — a group that outlined the Eighties with legendary matchups that captivated followers around the globe.
Throughout his illustrious profession, Leonard faced quite a few formidable opponents, however one stands out above the remainder: Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran. In a lately resurfaced interview, Leonard revealed that Duran delivered the hardest punches he ever encountered within the ring. It comes as Oleksandr Usyk is making ready to return to the ring for the primary time since beating Tyson Fury final Christmas.
The two first clashed in June 1980 in a bout that may change into legendary, as Leonard, identified for his pace and finesse, engaged in a brutal exchange with Duran, who was famend for his relentless aggression and uncooked energy.
Reflecting on the battle, Leonard admitted, “I stood toe-to-toe with this guy, but I knew by the end of 12 rounds this is not smart, because Duran, they call him ‘manos de piedra,’ or ‘hands of stone.’ He hit me so hard I said, ‘Who else is in here with me?’ but I knew because fighters know when they lost, so when they was calling the decision I knew I lost.”
Throughout these encounters, Leonard faced Duran’s formidable energy head-on, incomes his respect and admiration for the Panamanian legend’s unparalleled punching capability.
Leonard’s acknowledgment of Durán because the hardest puncher he ever faced underscores the enduring legacy of “Hands of Stone” in boxing historical past. Their trilogy of fights stays a testomony to the game’s wealthy custom of fierce competitors and mutual respect amongst champions.
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