Who would win that fight? Both were all time Greats. Strong punchers and great boxers. All in All I think Joe Gans was much better because he knockout fighters and did not live a breath on the No Decision era like Leonard.
Tough call really. I think Gans was a pretty special fighter, but so was Leonard. I really think it would be a toss up. Both were boxer punchers--but IMO I think Joe may ahve hit a bit harder--strictly conjecture however. Really--just a toss up in my mind. I have a great deal of respect for Leonard--one of the finest ever in that division.
Benny should also be credited with never avoiding black challengers. He fought the best of the lot--from the teens anyway--in Leo Johnson and annihilated him in one round. He also fought Eddie Dorsey who was a very good fighter.
I love this matchup and I favor Gans by decision. The details surrounding the fight would be interesting. Do they weigh in 133 ringside as Gans was forced to do and weaken himself for some of his most important bouts? Do they weigh in 135 pounds the day of which would give Gans more of an advantage in not cutting weight and is what Leonard was used to? Let's say they compromise and weigh in at 135 ringside. 15 rounds or 45 rounds? 15 would probably win out. Tex Rickard would have hyped this matchup up to some unimaginable level. If Leonard-Tendler drew 60,000, he might have bulit Boyle's Thirty Acres for this fight!
In the fight itself, I think Gans would win the decision over 15 rounds. He was the rougher fighter and punched a little harder. Leonard, when facing a big puncher like Tendler, tended to throw combos and then dart away to get out of hitting range. Against Gans, this would be tougher because Gans's boxing ability is much better than Tendler's. Gans would try and outmuscle Leonard in the clinches, and combined with his power, I see him winning a 9-6 decision in rounds type fight. But Leonard was a master thinker in the ring and I could see him frustrating Gans with his speed and guile.
two fine fighters in tough,hard, skilled eras. gans edge in power. gans wins-brine tough,skilled,but more power than benny--leanrd tough bastard in own way.