Expert: Jack Rose - 10/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jackson,

Who was better at his prime:
1. Muhammad Ali
2. Rocky Marciano
3. Sugar Ray Leonard
4. Sugar Ray Robinson

ANSWER: From the list you provided:

1. Sugar Ray Leonard
2. Sugar Ray Robinson
3. Muhammad Ali
4. Rocky Marciano

Leonard had the full game. He could box, fight flat footed, had speed, technique, defense, good chin and power.

Robinson could do the same except was not as good toe to toe.

Ali not as good toe to toe and got hit too much by trying to roll with the punches too much.

Marciano was good toe to toe and had power but not a very good boxer by definition and defense was ok.

thanks for the question

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply Jackson. However, I'd further like to ask if one was pitted against another (one on one), in your opinion, who will come out best. Please also rank them:
1. Sugar Ray Leonard
2. Sugar Ray Robinson
3. Muhammad Ali
4. Rocky Marciano

Answer
I am assuming you are saying if they were in the same weight division.

Marciano would have trouble against the other three because they are all excellent movers with much faster hands. He needs a guy to stand in front of him.

I would pick Robinson over the other three because he had speed, power and moved beautifully. He would have the most trouble with Leonard because of his similar abilities.

Leonard over Marciano but would have trouble with Ali and Robinson because he doesn't have a great chin.

Ali over Marciano and Leonard-because of his chin, but would have trouble against Robinson because they have the same style except Robinson has better defense and is more efficient, meaning Robinson didn't waste punches....

that's my take...

thanks