Books: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/do... Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray leonard fought for the first time in 1980, kicking off what would become an iconic rivalry in boxing. And while their second fight gets most of the attention, due to it’s bizarre ending, their first encounter remains one of the most entertaining matches in boxing, and one of the best fights amongst the four kings. In fact, Mike Tyson ranks it as the greatest fight of all time.

This was in no small part due to the drastic differences between the two fighters, in both style and personality.

Duran was known as a brutal infighter. He was skillful boxer who’s skills were missed by many, overshadowed by his unrelenting savagery.

Duran used grappling techniques to subdue his opponents, making use of his head, shoulders and chest to wrestle them into corners, and guard manipulations to slip in jarring punches from mere inches away.

You did not defeat his opponents. He demolished them. Duran always went for The Knockout and was angry with himself and the world if he didn't get it.

His Rage of his a controlled him as much as the other way around.

Leonard was the all American charmer with the big smile, who boxed beautifully, and danced to the tune of Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson. He was known for his movement and speed, and his footwork and rhythm were so refined he could use them in lew of a jab to set up powerful blows.

When the fight was made, Duran only had a vague idea of who Sugar Ray Leonard was, but the more he learned of him, the more Duran developed an intense hatred for Sugar Ray.