Best Rivalries in Boxing

[The D3vil]

Benn and Eubank definitely deserves an honorable mention, first fight was great. But if you compare their rivalry to Leonard-Hearns fights, you’ll notice some similarities that would’ve made talking about both of them on this list seem redundant.

As for which of Leonard’s rivalries was the true defining one. I think the impact he and Hearns had on each other’s careers is equal to what he and Duran had; and if certain legends are to be believed, it might even surpass what him and Duran did for each other. I also feel the type of dynamic between Leonard and Duran is something we’ve seen before; the flashy, swift and charismatic boxer vs. the tough, intimidating and relentless brawler/infighter (Ali-Frazier, Pep-Saddler, Robinson-LaMotta). Whereas it was more nuanced with him and Hearns. When they were in the ring together, Hearns was forced to be the boxer while Leonard needed to act like a pressure fighter. It’s always interesting when a matchup brings out a side of fighters that are not seen as often. And I mean, compare Leonard’s trilogy with Duran and his two fight with Hearns for quality.

Leonard-Hearns
First fight-Classic fight with see-saw momentum and a shocking late stoppage.
Second fight-Excellent follow up that was extremely even and had some memorable knockdowns but is overshadowed by its controversial draw that people still debate from time to time

Leonard-Duran
First fight-Another classic edge of your seat fight with great displays of infighting and courage from both fighters.
Second fight-Decent fight with some bizarre moments and even stranger ending that left people disappointed at the time.
Third fight-This one might as well not exist, it’s that forgotten

Yeah, from a boxing perspective, you might be right about Leonard/Hearns, but Leonard/Duran had an element of nationalism with the Olympic hero representing America versus the anti-American badass in Duran who grew up in Panama resenting the U.S. & of course "No Mas" is one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

I don't have any doubt that in the mind of the average person, Leonard & Duran is the more iconic rivalry

[Willie Pep 229]

Yeah, from a boxing perspective, you might be right about Leonard/Hearns, but Leonard/Duran had an element of nationalism with the Olympic hero representing America versus the anti-American badass in Duran who grew up in Panama resenting the U.S. & of course "No Mas" is one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

I don't have any doubt that in the mind of the average person, Leonard & Duran is the more iconic rivalry

Na! I don't remember anybody feeling that way about Leonard-Duran I

Duran had been a Wide World of Sports darling in the late 70s. There was a big Duran following amongst white American fans.

I'm sure the African-American fan base was all Leonard, but no one in my neighborhood was talking nationalism. The fight never took on that vibe.

In fact there were, I believe, five gold medalist so Leonard's Olympic victory was part of a team. We were more embracing of the Brothers Spinks than we were of Leonard.

Leonard had to pull away from the pack to get attention. Which he did. But was never a 'national hero' icon. That was the '76 Team. He was just on it. The Brothers Spinks made a bigger splash.

[Flickergrab98]

Yeah, from a boxing perspective, you might be right about Leonard/Hearns, but Leonard/Duran had an element of nationalism with the Olympic hero representing America versus the anti-American badass in Duran who grew up in Panama resenting the U.S. & of course "No Mas" is one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

I don't have any doubt that in the mind of the average person, Leonard & Duran is the more iconic rivalry

That’s the first time I’ve heard that perspective on their rivalry; it certainly does add an undertone that makes it a little more interesting to talk about

[The D3vil]

Na! I don't remember anybody feeling that way about Leonard-Duran I

Duran had been a Wide World of Sports darling in the late 70s. There was a big Duran following amongst white American fans.

I'm sure the African-American fan base was all Leonard, but no one in my neighborhood was talking nationalism. The fight never took on that vibe.

In fact there were, I believe, five gold medalist so Leonard's Olympic victory was part of a team. We were more embracing of the Brothers Spinks than we were of Leonard.

Leonard had to pull away from the pack to get attention. Which he did. But was never a 'national hero' icon. That was the '76 Team. He was just on it. The Brothers Spinks made a bigger splash.

I'm talking about not just America, but the WORLD.

Duran himself said that a big part of his motivation was taking down America's hero.

In Panama, Duran was celebrated as a god for taking down the Yankee.

[Slugfester]

In no particular order:

1. Robinson/Lamotta
2. Charles/Walcott
3. Vasquez/R. Marquez
4. Zale/Graziano
5. Holyfield/Bowe
6. Ali/Frazier
7. Pacquiao/J. Marquez
8. Fury/Wilder
9. Pep/Saddler
10. Robinson Basilio.

[Flickergrab98]

In no particular order:

1. Robinson/Lamotta
2. Charles/Walcott
3. Vasquez/R. Marquez
4. Zale/Graziano
5. Holyfield/Bowe
6. Ali/Frazier
7. Pacquiao/J. Marquez
8. Fury/Wilder
9. Pep/Saddler
10. Robinson Basilio.

Not everyday you see a list on boxing rivalries that doesn’t have any of the rivalries between the 80’s Fab Four.