Shakur Stevenson has revealed his preference between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson, feeling as though he has taken greater inspiration from one of the two legends.
While both Hall of Famers are considered among the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time, many would argue that Robinson was the more decorated champion.
He did, after all, enter a staggering 199 professional contests, before ending his illustrious career as a five-time world middleweight champion in 1965.
Known for his success against other eventual Hall of Famers, most notably Jake LaMotta, Robinson also claimed world welterweight honours by defeating Tommy Bell.
As for Leonard, the 147lb scene was taken by storm when the masterful American dethroned Wilfred Benitez with a 15-round finish in 1979.
‘Sugar’ would then lose his WBC title to Roberto Duran, before winning their rematch via an eighth-round stoppage and scoring a 14th-round finish over Thomas Hearns in 1981.
At 160lbs, Leonard remained a spectacular fighter but was certainly less effective, with many believing that Hearns and Marvin Hagler deserved to win their respective middleweight contests.
Regardless of those controversial decisions, though, four-division world champion Stevenson has taken to social media and expressed his favouring of Leonard over Robinson.
“I like SRL better then I like SRR. This might make my people mad but SRL was one hell’va fighter. To me, his level was extremely high!!”
I like SRL better then I like SRR, This might make my people mad but SRL was one hellavu fighter to me his level was extremely high!!
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) September 22, 2026
From a stylistic perspective, it is hardly surprising that Leonard’s performances resonate more with Stevenson than those of Robinson, who generally fought as more of a boxer-puncher than a slick technician.
