BoxRec

Anyone know any rumours of fighters that fought a real fight in the gym but obviously not officially? I don't mean hard sparring, actual fights. I've heard it has happened in some gyms with up and coming prospects.

Ray Leonard did before the Hagler fight. Those are documented. Ray had no headgear on and big gloves. The opponents had headgear on and small gloves. Ray wanted to make it as hard on himself as he could.

He fought 4 guys in the top 20. 10 round fights. Ray won all 4 with 2 KOs.

Yes I remember this. I didn’t know how many he had though. Povetkin apparently had some, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Tyson did.

I can see it happening under certain circumstances. The closest I’ve ever seen was here in Chicago at a local gym ( I forget which one) the very very tough Johnny Lira was getting pestered regularly to fight some journeyman by the guys trainer. Lira had enough and said let’s do it right here right now. The guy backtracked. So, if you’re an established contender, and another fighter is bugging you to box in a real fight and that fighter has previously achieved very little, I can see a “ unscheduled “ gym fight happening.

Cus D'Amato had Floyd Patterson do that.
That is fairly well known.

Ezzard wrote: ↑30 May 2025, 05:43 Ray Leonard did before the Hagler fight. Those are documented. Ray had no headgear on and big gloves. The opponents had headgear on and small gloves. Ray wanted to make it as hard on himself as he could.

He fought 4 guys in the top 20. 10 round fights. Ray won all 4 with 2 KOs.

Where is this documented?

We have to take Leonard and Dundee at their word on this; they both talked about it after the Hagler bout, but I don't remember them naming the opponents.

I remember hearing about Ray doing this. It’s vague though. Maybe Roger Stafford ? It’ll come to me. I freakin can’t remember where my car keys are but this will come to me. Eventually

Perseus wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025, 18:40

Ezzard wrote: ↑30 May 2025, 05:43 Ray Leonard did before the Hagler fight. Those are documented. Ray had no headgear on and big gloves. The opponents had headgear on and small gloves. Ray wanted to make it as hard on himself as he could.

He fought 4 guys in the top 20. 10 round fights. Ray won all 4 with 2 KOs.

Where is this documented?

It’s reported in this article but don’t know the original source of the information

https://worldinsport.com/hagler-heist-h ... ng%2520fit.

Perseus wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025, 18:40

Ezzard wrote: ↑30 May 2025, 05:43 Ray Leonard did before the Hagler fight. Those are documented. Ray had no headgear on and big gloves. The opponents had headgear on and small gloves. Ray wanted to make it as hard on himself as he could.

He fought 4 guys in the top 20. 10 round fights. Ray won all 4 with 2 KOs.

Where is this documented?

Published in newspapers by reputable journalists and Leonard's team were quoted. I believe it was Mike Trainer's idea and that all opponents were made to sig NDAs.

Balboa fought Appollo in the gym after regaining the title from Clubber Lang.

Controversial wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025, 19:58

Perseus wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025, 18:40

Ezzard wrote: ↑30 May 2025, 05:43 Ray Leonard did before the Hagler fight. Those are documented. Ray had no headgear on and big gloves. The opponents had headgear on and small gloves. Ray wanted to make it as hard on himself as he could.

He fought 4 guys in the top 20. 10 round fights. Ray won all 4 with 2 KOs.

Where is this documented?

It’s reported in this article but don’t know the original source of the information

https://worldinsport.com/hagler-heist-h ... ng%2520fit.

I made the mistake of reading that article looking for the reference to fights behind closed doors.

That article is complete garbage.
Nothing but a TV hero-worshipping, fan boy crying about a decision he didn't like.

Thanks for the link though.
Not your fault the writing is trash.

Jeff lacy v tony oakey 1 and 2