The Leonard who fought the rematch with Hearns vs the Eubank who stopped Watson. What happens here? opcorn:
Leonard outboxes Chris en route to a decision win, although by that stage of his career, Ray is perhaps vulnerable enough to ship a big, fight-changing shot. I don't see it, though. MTF
Funny you make it 168... cause you no at 160 Eubank would have NO chance. I still pick Ray at 168. Eubank is one of the more overrated fighters of the last 25 yrs.
I agree. At 160 Leonard would win a decision going away....too fast, too mobile. At 168 it becomes a more interesting fight because ray was visibly slower and less mobile at this weight, but like you I'd still pick him by closer decision on account of workrate. i wouldn't say Eubank is overrated. He was a very good fighter that fell short of great. He had alot of heart, and hard punch, GREAT chin, good balance etc. He just never fought the defining fights. Best of Britain is all he fought. he never tested himself against the Toney's,. Jones', McCallums.
I'd mostly agree, but 'Best of British' is a tad harsh. Neither Benn nor Watson were domestic level fighters. They were a lot better than that, despite being British ::. Eubanks beat Watson (twice officially, once really), who beat Benn (as did Eubank), who beat Barkley, McClellan, De Witt etc etc. That was a seriously good era for middle/super-middles. Eubanks pre-Watson rematch was an excellent fighter. As you say, he hit very hard, had tons of heart and one of the best chins you'ld ever likely see. After Watson, he lost a lot. The first Collins loss, for example, would never have happened if Watson hadn't been hurt. Eubanks had Collins on the ropes and in serious trouble, but Eubanks wouldn't finish him off. He backed off instead and lost a fight he could (and should) have won in that ninth round. MTF
Paraphrasing the immortal {and very odd} Brendan Ingle....."Ray wudda studd him on his hed, and trew him ourra the gym, like"
