They had so many similarities. Both were arguably the best inside fighters ever, both rose in weight to win championships, both shared the ring with some of the greatest of all time. But who hit harder? I'd favor Duran even in a lb for lb sense.
He squandered his abilities, but Lew Jenkins had to be the hardest hitting lightweight ever. In 1978, Roberto Duran’s veteran trainer, Freddie Brown, had said of Duran, “I think the only lightweight who hit harder was Lew Jenkins.” And he saw both fight. Jenkins lost to Armstrong twice, and said he was the best fighter he fought against. From Boxing Ring to Battlefield: The Life of War Hero Lew Jenkins is due out in November 2018. Associated Press, “DeJesus-Duran Title Fight Today,” Great Falls Tribune, 21 January 1978, 14.
Duran and by far. Armstrong's biggest strength was his activity. He wore a fighter down with his relentlessness. Duran at lightweight could turn out the lights with one shot.
Shout for Armstrong. Anyone with 100 kos or more who fought at his level has to be considered an all-time great puncher. Duran probably hit a bit harder at lightweight, but overall I'd give the edge to Hank.
For those interested, a biography on Lew Jenkins just hit the bookshelves. https://www.amazon.com/Boxing-Ring-...qid=1541357479&sr=8-2&keywords=gene+pantalone
