PART I- INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Our first mythical matchup features two of boxing’s biggest stars ever, as Sugar Ray Leonard faces Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Sugar Ray Leonard first emerged in the 1976 Olympics and quickly became the heir apparent to Muhammad Ali as boxing’s top attraction. Fans were captivated by his charismatic persona and blinding hand and foot speed. Victories over Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler established Leonard as the fighter of the 1980’s. He was the first fighter to win world titles in 5 different weight classes, retiring with a record of 36-3-1 with 25 Kos.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the fighter of this generation. Floyd won his first world title in 1998 as a Jr. Lightweight and has also won world titles in 5 different weight classes. Mayweather, a brilliant ring tactician, is undefeated over his 18 year career with a record of 47-0 with 26 KOs. His resume includes victories over Oscar Delahoya, Shane Mosley, Robert Guerrero, Juan Manuel Marquez and Miguel Cotto.
The fight will take place at Cowboys stadium in Arlington, TX. Mayweather will receive a guaranteed $75 million while Leonard will receive $65 million. Sugar Ray agreed to the financial concession in exchange for a 15 round fight. The undercard will feature Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns vs current popular Mexican Jr. Middleweight, Canelo Alvarez. Manny Pacquiao will also face 80’s lightweight champion, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. The beautiful and talented Christina Aguilera will perform a one hour concert just prior to the fight.
Sugar Ray Leonard opens as a 5-2 favorite according to the Las Vegas odds makers. The majority of pundits also favor Leonard believing his punching power and superior strength to be too much for Mayweather. Those who favor Mayweather believe that he will take advantage of Leonard’s defensive weaknesses and outbox him en route to a decision victory.
PART II- FIGHT NIGHT
102,000 fans have gathered tonight at AT&T “Cowboys” Stadium and the HBO Pay Per View broadcast received a record 5.2 million buys. All are excited in anticipation for one the greatest events ever in sports history.
The night opens with two spectacular fights. Thomas Hearns is rocked early but rebounds to knockout Canelo Alvarez in the 7th round. Manny Pacquiao and Ray Mancini engage in a spirited slugfest. The faster, more powerful Pacquaio stops Mancini in the 9th round. Christina Aguilera wows the crowd. Her finale is the song “fighter”. The crowd screams as Mayweather and Leonard highlights play on the jumbotron.
At 10:47 PM CST, Sugar Ray Leonard makes his way to the ring, followed by Floyd Mayweather. Leonard weighs 147 and wears black trunks with gold trim. Mayweather is dressed in red leather trunks with white trim and weighs 146 pounds. Leonard appears to be the crowd favorite. Referee Mills Lane issues final instructions and the crowd roars in anticipation of the opening bell.
Sugar Ray versus Money, which boxing diva will reign supreme? Now, we’ll have our answer.
PART III- THE FIGHT
ROUND 1:
Not much action over the first minute as the fighters feel each other out. Leonard lands a jab. Mayweather counters with an overhand right. Leonard tries a three punch combination but Mayweather easily slips all of them. The pace is slow. Leonard is the more active fighter landing 7 of 23 punches for the round. Mayweather throws just 6 punches but lands 4. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 2:
The pace remains slow and the crowd boos as the fighters do more clowning than punching. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes but is unable to land cleanly. Mayweather lands a solid overhand right and spins off the ropes. Leonard looks puzzled at the close of the round. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 3:
Leonard stalks Mayweather but is hardly punching. Floyd countering with single, precise shots, which are landing cleanly. The right hand of Mayweather is particularly effective. Leonard swings and misses wildly at the end of the round. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9.
ROUND 4:
Sugar Ray looks tight, tentative and unable to solve the style of Floyd Mayweather. From ringside, HBO color commentator Larry Merchant says: “I’m not sure, I’ve ever seen Sugar Ray Leonard as confused and frustrated in the ring as he is right now”. Mayweather continues to tag Leonard with the overhand right. Ray just doesn’t seem to have any answers right now. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 5:
After 4 rounds, the normally accurate Leonard has landed only 20 of 68 punches, while Mayweather has landed 26 of 54. Prompted by his corner, Leonard begins to use the jab more. This appears to be bothering Mayweather, disrupting his rhythm. Floyd lands an overhand right but Ray counters with a left hook which seems to be more powerful. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes late in the round. He doesn’t land anything significant, pounding primarily on Mayweather’s arms and shoulders. Leonard’s left eye is a little puffy as he goes back to the corner. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 6:
The fight continues to be a chess match. Leonard looks more confident as he continues to work the jab. The action is on even terms in the first half of the round. With 45 seconds remaining in the round, Leonard slips under a Mayweather overhand right and lands a wicked left hook to Floyd’s rib cage. Mayweather visibly winces. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes and Floyd holds. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 7:
Leonard steps up the pace in round 7. A minute into the round, Leonard unleashes a 4 punch combination. The first three miss but the final punch, a right uppercut, connects sending sweat flying from Mayweather’s head. Mayweather responds with a left hook to the body and a straight right which stops Leonard in his tracks. The fighters are now starting to trade more on the inside. With 30 seconds remaining, Leonard lands a right to the temple which rocks Mayweather. Floyd staggers towards the ropes. An excited Leonard chases after him, swinging wildly. Leonard lands a vicious right to the body as the round comes to a close. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 8:
From ringside, announcer Jim Lampley exclaims: “This is the most trouble I’ve ever seen Floyd Mayweather in”. Mayweather is on rubbery legs as the round starts. Floyd stays away while Leonard pursues like a lion looking for the kill. Sugar Ray backs Mayweather to the ropes and unleashes a devastating 3 punch combination to the body. Floyd holds on. Mills Lane breaks the fighters. Back in the center of the ring, Leonard lands a tremendous left hook which buckles Mayweather’s knees. Leonard swarms Mayweather, who fires back with a left hook. The fighters trade on the inside. Leonard lands a right to the body as the round comes to a close. Mayweather’s legs are very unsteady. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 9:
Mayweather elects to get on his bicycle in this round, staying away from the dangerous power of Leonard. Leonard pursues but Mayweather is very elusive. Ray lands the jab occasionally but not much else. He attempts to catch Floyd along the ropes but is unable to. Ray wins the round on aggression and greater activity as Mayweather does little offensively. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 10:
Leonard continues to pursue but he’s stopped punching. Again, the pace slows to where Floyd likes it. Mayweather moves cleverly to keep Leonard off balance. Leonard throws a wild right and Mayweather counters with a left to the body and a right to the head. A Leonard right to the body strays below the belt and Floyd protests to the referee. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes but Mayweather spins off and lands a jab and a nice right hand. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 11:
Leonard seems confused by Mayweather’s movement and is having trouble getting off. Floyd is countering Leonard effectively. Leonard unable to back Mayweather to the ropes and Mayweather is getting the better of it in the center of the ring. A hard right hand by Mayweather sends sweat flying off of Leonard’s head as the round comes to a close. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 12:
Mayweather continues to have the momentum early in round 12. Mayweather lands a left hook, right hand combination which snaps Sugar Ray’s head back. Halfway through the round, Leonard lands a wicked left, right combination to the body. Leonard backs Mayweather against the ropes and continues to pound him to the body. With 20 seconds remaining, Leonard lands a tremendous right uppercut which drops Mayweather to the canvas. Mayweather is up at the count of 6 but is very glassy eyed. Leonard unloads with blistering combinations as the round ends. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-8
ROUND 13:
The fighters come out for round 13. Mayweather looks tired and shaky. However, he avoids getting tagged over the first half of the round. Leonard works his way inside and lands a left hook which rocks Mayweather again. Leonard unloads with a flurry. Mayweather gamely tries to fire back; A Mayweather right momentarily stops Leonard in his tracks. With 30 seconds remaining in the round, Leonard batters Mayweather along the ropes. Mayweather returns to his corner looking defeated and exhausted. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 14:
Mayweather gets a reprieve early as Leonard may have punched himself out in the last round. Mayweather keeps his distance. It appears that he’s in survival mode. Leonard picks up the pace with a minute remaining. Once again he backs Mayweather against the ropes and throws primarily to the body. Mayweather holds and throws an occasional counter but he’s too tired to do much else. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9.
ROUND 15:
Trainer Roger Mayweather says: “Floyd you’re taking too much punishment out there, I’m going to stop it”. Floyd vehemently protests and Roger reluctantly relents. From ringside: Larry Merchant says: “Win or lose, Floyd Mayweather has proven a lot tonight, perhaps more than ever before in his entire career. He definitely has the heart of a champion”.
The fighters touch gloves at the start of round 15. Mayweather lands a combination and tries to open up but his punches have no steam on them. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes and lands a big right hand. Leonard raises his arms, sensing the victory. Mayweather tries to hold but to no avail. Sugar Ray opens up with his full arsenal, landing 14 unanswered punches. One final right hand prompts Mills Lane to step in and stop the fight. Leonard wins by technical knockout at 1:44 of the 15th round.
PART IV- AFTERMATH
In the ring, Leonard and Mayweather are interviewed by Larry Merchant. Leonard says: “This is a great victory. Floyd is a great fighter and a great champion. He’s as tough as anyone I’ve ever faced in my career.” Then Mayweather responded: “Leonard is a great fighter and I can’t take anything away him. I hurt my right hand in the sixth round and couldn’t keep him off after that. Right now, I’m going to go back to my own era and take care of Manny Pacquiao but I’d love a rematch with Leonard after that”.
Jim Lampley closed the PPV broadcast with the following: “Boxing needed a night like this. Two all-time great fighters, each at the peak of his abilities, squaring off in a competitive, compelling fight. For once, the PPV audience got their money’s worth tonight. And let’s hope for more matchups like this in the future. Thank you and good night”.
Our first mythical matchup features two of boxing’s biggest stars ever, as Sugar Ray Leonard faces Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Sugar Ray Leonard first emerged in the 1976 Olympics and quickly became the heir apparent to Muhammad Ali as boxing’s top attraction. Fans were captivated by his charismatic persona and blinding hand and foot speed. Victories over Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler established Leonard as the fighter of the 1980’s. He was the first fighter to win world titles in 5 different weight classes, retiring with a record of 36-3-1 with 25 Kos.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the fighter of this generation. Floyd won his first world title in 1998 as a Jr. Lightweight and has also won world titles in 5 different weight classes. Mayweather, a brilliant ring tactician, is undefeated over his 18 year career with a record of 47-0 with 26 KOs. His resume includes victories over Oscar Delahoya, Shane Mosley, Robert Guerrero, Juan Manuel Marquez and Miguel Cotto.
The fight will take place at Cowboys stadium in Arlington, TX. Mayweather will receive a guaranteed $75 million while Leonard will receive $65 million. Sugar Ray agreed to the financial concession in exchange for a 15 round fight. The undercard will feature Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns vs current popular Mexican Jr. Middleweight, Canelo Alvarez. Manny Pacquiao will also face 80’s lightweight champion, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. The beautiful and talented Christina Aguilera will perform a one hour concert just prior to the fight.
Sugar Ray Leonard opens as a 5-2 favorite according to the Las Vegas odds makers. The majority of pundits also favor Leonard believing his punching power and superior strength to be too much for Mayweather. Those who favor Mayweather believe that he will take advantage of Leonard’s defensive weaknesses and outbox him en route to a decision victory.
PART II- FIGHT NIGHT
102,000 fans have gathered tonight at AT&T “Cowboys” Stadium and the HBO Pay Per View broadcast received a record 5.2 million buys. All are excited in anticipation for one the greatest events ever in sports history.
The night opens with two spectacular fights. Thomas Hearns is rocked early but rebounds to knockout Canelo Alvarez in the 7th round. Manny Pacquiao and Ray Mancini engage in a spirited slugfest. The faster, more powerful Pacquaio stops Mancini in the 9th round. Christina Aguilera wows the crowd. Her finale is the song “fighter”. The crowd screams as Mayweather and Leonard highlights play on the jumbotron.
At 10:47 PM CST, Sugar Ray Leonard makes his way to the ring, followed by Floyd Mayweather. Leonard weighs 147 and wears black trunks with gold trim. Mayweather is dressed in red leather trunks with white trim and weighs 146 pounds. Leonard appears to be the crowd favorite. Referee Mills Lane issues final instructions and the crowd roars in anticipation of the opening bell.
Sugar Ray versus Money, which boxing diva will reign supreme? Now, we’ll have our answer.
PART III- THE FIGHT
ROUND 1:
Not much action over the first minute as the fighters feel each other out. Leonard lands a jab. Mayweather counters with an overhand right. Leonard tries a three punch combination but Mayweather easily slips all of them. The pace is slow. Leonard is the more active fighter landing 7 of 23 punches for the round. Mayweather throws just 6 punches but lands 4. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 2:
The pace remains slow and the crowd boos as the fighters do more clowning than punching. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes but is unable to land cleanly. Mayweather lands a solid overhand right and spins off the ropes. Leonard looks puzzled at the close of the round. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 3:
Leonard stalks Mayweather but is hardly punching. Floyd countering with single, precise shots, which are landing cleanly. The right hand of Mayweather is particularly effective. Leonard swings and misses wildly at the end of the round. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9.
ROUND 4:
Sugar Ray looks tight, tentative and unable to solve the style of Floyd Mayweather. From ringside, HBO color commentator Larry Merchant says: “I’m not sure, I’ve ever seen Sugar Ray Leonard as confused and frustrated in the ring as he is right now”. Mayweather continues to tag Leonard with the overhand right. Ray just doesn’t seem to have any answers right now. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 5:
After 4 rounds, the normally accurate Leonard has landed only 20 of 68 punches, while Mayweather has landed 26 of 54. Prompted by his corner, Leonard begins to use the jab more. This appears to be bothering Mayweather, disrupting his rhythm. Floyd lands an overhand right but Ray counters with a left hook which seems to be more powerful. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes late in the round. He doesn’t land anything significant, pounding primarily on Mayweather’s arms and shoulders. Leonard’s left eye is a little puffy as he goes back to the corner. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 6:
The fight continues to be a chess match. Leonard looks more confident as he continues to work the jab. The action is on even terms in the first half of the round. With 45 seconds remaining in the round, Leonard slips under a Mayweather overhand right and lands a wicked left hook to Floyd’s rib cage. Mayweather visibly winces. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes and Floyd holds. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 7:
Leonard steps up the pace in round 7. A minute into the round, Leonard unleashes a 4 punch combination. The first three miss but the final punch, a right uppercut, connects sending sweat flying from Mayweather’s head. Mayweather responds with a left hook to the body and a straight right which stops Leonard in his tracks. The fighters are now starting to trade more on the inside. With 30 seconds remaining, Leonard lands a right to the temple which rocks Mayweather. Floyd staggers towards the ropes. An excited Leonard chases after him, swinging wildly. Leonard lands a vicious right to the body as the round comes to a close. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 8:
From ringside, announcer Jim Lampley exclaims: “This is the most trouble I’ve ever seen Floyd Mayweather in”. Mayweather is on rubbery legs as the round starts. Floyd stays away while Leonard pursues like a lion looking for the kill. Sugar Ray backs Mayweather to the ropes and unleashes a devastating 3 punch combination to the body. Floyd holds on. Mills Lane breaks the fighters. Back in the center of the ring, Leonard lands a tremendous left hook which buckles Mayweather’s knees. Leonard swarms Mayweather, who fires back with a left hook. The fighters trade on the inside. Leonard lands a right to the body as the round comes to a close. Mayweather’s legs are very unsteady. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 9:
Mayweather elects to get on his bicycle in this round, staying away from the dangerous power of Leonard. Leonard pursues but Mayweather is very elusive. Ray lands the jab occasionally but not much else. He attempts to catch Floyd along the ropes but is unable to. Ray wins the round on aggression and greater activity as Mayweather does little offensively. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 10:
Leonard continues to pursue but he’s stopped punching. Again, the pace slows to where Floyd likes it. Mayweather moves cleverly to keep Leonard off balance. Leonard throws a wild right and Mayweather counters with a left to the body and a right to the head. A Leonard right to the body strays below the belt and Floyd protests to the referee. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes but Mayweather spins off and lands a jab and a nice right hand. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 11:
Leonard seems confused by Mayweather’s movement and is having trouble getting off. Floyd is countering Leonard effectively. Leonard unable to back Mayweather to the ropes and Mayweather is getting the better of it in the center of the ring. A hard right hand by Mayweather sends sweat flying off of Leonard’s head as the round comes to a close. MAYWEATHER’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 12:
Mayweather continues to have the momentum early in round 12. Mayweather lands a left hook, right hand combination which snaps Sugar Ray’s head back. Halfway through the round, Leonard lands a wicked left, right combination to the body. Leonard backs Mayweather against the ropes and continues to pound him to the body. With 20 seconds remaining, Leonard lands a tremendous right uppercut which drops Mayweather to the canvas. Mayweather is up at the count of 6 but is very glassy eyed. Leonard unloads with blistering combinations as the round ends. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-8
ROUND 13:
The fighters come out for round 13. Mayweather looks tired and shaky. However, he avoids getting tagged over the first half of the round. Leonard works his way inside and lands a left hook which rocks Mayweather again. Leonard unloads with a flurry. Mayweather gamely tries to fire back; A Mayweather right momentarily stops Leonard in his tracks. With 30 seconds remaining in the round, Leonard batters Mayweather along the ropes. Mayweather returns to his corner looking defeated and exhausted. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9
ROUND 14:
Mayweather gets a reprieve early as Leonard may have punched himself out in the last round. Mayweather keeps his distance. It appears that he’s in survival mode. Leonard picks up the pace with a minute remaining. Once again he backs Mayweather against the ropes and throws primarily to the body. Mayweather holds and throws an occasional counter but he’s too tired to do much else. LEONARD’S ROUND 10-9.
ROUND 15:
Trainer Roger Mayweather says: “Floyd you’re taking too much punishment out there, I’m going to stop it”. Floyd vehemently protests and Roger reluctantly relents. From ringside: Larry Merchant says: “Win or lose, Floyd Mayweather has proven a lot tonight, perhaps more than ever before in his entire career. He definitely has the heart of a champion”.
The fighters touch gloves at the start of round 15. Mayweather lands a combination and tries to open up but his punches have no steam on them. Leonard backs Mayweather to the ropes and lands a big right hand. Leonard raises his arms, sensing the victory. Mayweather tries to hold but to no avail. Sugar Ray opens up with his full arsenal, landing 14 unanswered punches. One final right hand prompts Mills Lane to step in and stop the fight. Leonard wins by technical knockout at 1:44 of the 15th round.
PART IV- AFTERMATH
In the ring, Leonard and Mayweather are interviewed by Larry Merchant. Leonard says: “This is a great victory. Floyd is a great fighter and a great champion. He’s as tough as anyone I’ve ever faced in my career.” Then Mayweather responded: “Leonard is a great fighter and I can’t take anything away him. I hurt my right hand in the sixth round and couldn’t keep him off after that. Right now, I’m going to go back to my own era and take care of Manny Pacquiao but I’d love a rematch with Leonard after that”.
Jim Lampley closed the PPV broadcast with the following: “Boxing needed a night like this. Two all-time great fighters, each at the peak of his abilities, squaring off in a competitive, compelling fight. For once, the PPV audience got their money’s worth tonight. And let’s hope for more matchups like this in the future. Thank you and good night”.