The comparison with Norris’s 1991 victory over Leonard was not flattering to Crawford. Leonard entered that fight trusting the timing, intelligence, and psychological control that had allowed him to solve younger and physically stronger opponents. Norris denied him the time required to think. His hand speed, combinations, and youthful reactions kept Leonard behind throughout the fight.
Norris dropped Leonard twice and won a lopsided unanimous decision. The younger man did not need a greater historical reputation or a deeper collection of accomplishments. He only needed to be faster on that night. That was the
