Yes, but he wont win. Leonard easy UD. I don't see Leonard stopping him though. The first Mayorga fight was an outlier IMO.
Forrest was tough, but I do think that if he was hit with the right type of punches, he would fall. Even in the Mayorga rematch he was hurt late, but obviously fought with a better strategy. Had he ever fought Trinidad, I dot think he would have lasted the distance. If it's a 15 rounder, I think Leonard could most certainly stop with that same assault he landed on Hearns. Especially with those body shots.
I don't think Forrest was particularly tough. Mayorga clearly intimidated him in the rematch, which is why he lost. As much as Sly loves to talk shit about Hearns chin, I'd definitely say that Tommy was more durable than Forrest. There's no way in Hell I see Forrest going the distance with Leonard.
Only the mythical Leonard won every second against every opponent and made them look foolish. The actual Leonard wins about 9-3 and or stoppage in 10 and Forrest doesn't hurt him at any point
Leonard beat Benitez without too much difficulty. History paints it as a close fight, which is one of boxing's huge misconceptions. Everybody who's seen the fight knows Leonard was in command throughout. Leonard doesn't dominate every welterweight in history. I do think he BEATS every welter in history with the exception of Robinson. BUT... he would control Forrest without too much difficulty. Vernon Forrest had nothing to offer Ray Leonard.
I don't think Mayorga KO's Hearns even if he lands like he did against Forrest. At most, he shakes him up slightly, and then Hearns proceeds to kick his ass.
I think Leonard could beat Robinson. It would be close, though. They'd probably split fights if they had been in the same era.
