I am reading his life story as we speak and there isn't much credit given to his defensive skills(well except from you guy's on this topic) HE had tremndous power at lightweight and just overall skill. As he moved up in weight his power somewhat diminished but his boxing prowness was amazing. Like many have said all you have to do is watch the first Leonard fight and you will say " Oh I get it now ". Extremely hard to hit on the chin with a punch and that is not taught it is a natural ability that someone just has. Tremendous skills in cutting the ring off to where Leonard would find himself on the ropes fighting Duran's rough battle on the inside.