Does Anyone Else Think SRL Beat Roberto Duran In The Brawl In Montreal ?

**Mars_ax** · 08-23-2011 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Master

Why was the fight in Montreal? Tax reasons?

Leonard returned to the Olympic Stadium in Montreal to defend his title against Duran, because that's where Leonard had won a gold medal, in the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Duran only received $1.5 million for the 1st fight, and Leonard, working for a percentage of the closed-circuit gate as well as a guarantee, received over $9 million, I guess Ray got the last laugh, especially in the rematch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Ray_Leonard

**Manju** · 08-23-2011 10:40 PM

Leonard won even though he lost the fight. Going toe-to-toe was a self-created drama providing a win-win scenario for him. Even if he lost he would gain the rep of a warrior.

I think the saavy SRL knew this and I believe him when he says he contemplated doing the same for the Hagler fight. But Duran was smaller and coming up to Leonard's class, so he made for a better bet.

Leonard's sense of drama is a big part of what makes him great. I can see him manufacturing some.