Fighters of the Past

[gumbo2176]

I've seen a lot of fighters come and go over the years and there have been some great ones I've enjoyed watching practice the "sweet science." One of my personal favorites is Roberto Duran.

His recorded career began in February, 1968 and his last fight was in July, 2001 for a 33 yr. span with a lifetime record of 103 wins against 16 losses. Not only was his career long, but it also fluctuated greatly in weight. His first fight was just under 120 lbs. and before he retired, he fought as heavy is 174 lbs. Granted, at weights higher than 160 and in the later stages of his career, he was having mixed results and this is when many of his 16 losses came into play. His first loss came in 1972 against Esteban De Jesus in his 32nd fight and it wasn't until his 74th fight that he lost for the second time in the famous "No Mas" fight against Sugar Ray Leonard. Most of today's fighters don't have careers half that long.

Unlike some fighters of today that claim to be the best P4P, Duran sought out and fought some of the very best competition he could get in the ring. Well, that's my take on this---other opinions may, or should I say, will vary.

[slumdog]

Duran will always be among the best in the sport. The fans loved him when he was active and they continue to cheer him on in this day and age...
I agree with you 100%

[danielmiltz1]

I met Roberto at the Hall in Canastota '07. What a gracious, funny & lovely man he is. Also, met his daughter and grandson. What a charming time that was!

[NAF728]

I grew up in New York, and barely in my teens, always attended the fights at New York's Madison Square Garden. I was there when Roberto Duran lost his first fight, to Esteban deJesus in a terrific fight. Duran was knocked down in the first round and lost a decision. Of course Duran knocked out DeJesus in the rematch in Panama, and I saw that one on TV. the third fight in vegas was a slaughter, as Duran kncoked out DeJesus early in the fight.

I was also at Miami's Fountainbleu Hotel when Duran defeated Vilomar Fernandez in a title defense. Also attended Duran's quick 1-round KO of Alvaro Rojas at the Hollywood Sporatorium in Hollywood Florida.

Duran was certainly on of the best Lightweight fighters of all time, and many old-time boxing people have him ranked at or near the top of the Lightweights.

Duran's near perfect KO of a young Davey Moore to win the Junior Middleweight title at New York's Garden was also an impressive win for Duran, as many boxing people were certain that Moore was too young, too fast & too strong for an older Duran.

Loved Duran for his fierce competitiveness and aggression. Thank you for those terrific memories, Roberto.