Usually when we contemplate superfight MMs, there's heavy debate on both sides. But how bout some superfights that would be big in name, but on paper one guy is highly favored? Some examples I can think of: 1. Leonard vs DLH: Would be a huge fight, but no one truly believes Oscar is winning. 2. Duran vs Chavez: The most talked about Latin MM of all time, but Duran is a pretty substantial favorite. 3. Ali vs Tyson: The most talked about MM in the history of the sport. While Mike isn't without a chance, Ali is a pretty clear favorite. Just too mentally tough for Mike, and too much will and stamina. Others?
I has a feeling Ali-Tyson would be mentioned but it's simply ridiculous imo. No way Ali would be a big favorite over Tyson. The other 2 I agree though I think Hoya would be competitive early before his stamina let him down in the second half (it would probably become ugly for him at this point unless he pulls another ''Oscar'' worthy performance ).
I said "Tyson isn't without a chance." I think the 88 Tyson is live against any heavyweight in history, but I don't think it's exactly 50-50 either. The mid 60s Ali should be a clear favorite.
Going back to Leonard-Oscar, I dont think Oscar is competitive in the least bit. Oscar is a guy who depended on his handspeed and athleticism, but Leonard was both much faster and much more athletic, in addition to being more fluid (Oscar was robotic). Add to that the fact that Leonard's brain processed things about 5x faster than Oscar's. I think it would have been a rout. I think that the foursome of Leonard, Hearns, Duran, Benitez all would have beaten Oscar pretty one sidedly.
I think Leonard-DLH would be one of those competitive-but-not-close fights, at least early on. Where Oscar gives a good account but doesn't win the rounds, before Leonard starts to completely dominate as it goes on.
I think Oscar does alright early on, but once Leonard gets down the rhythm of De La Hoya’s jab, he’s gonna land ridiculous counter right hands over it, and once De La Hoya starts taking too many, he’ll start to go into a shell, and I don’t think he’ll have the DESIRE to go through the hell he’d have to go through to win the fight. If it’s a 15 rounder, Oscar is definitely getting stopped.
Leonard vs Pryor would have been huge in 82, but with all due respect to the Hawk, Leonard would have beaten the shit outta him.
Lewis vs Joshua would have been huge at Wembly stadium and done great figures in the UK. Joshua would have been completely obliterated in a similar fight to the Grant fight. Just a huge skill gap in every department. I can't think of one advantage Joshua would have.
