Dunno. Was going to say Duran based on his win against Leonard but Pacquiao was a beast at the weight when he was beating the likes of Hatton, Cotto and Margarito. This could turn out to be a better fight than the first Duran Leonard fight.
The Montreal version of Duran would be the favorite, but any other version of Duran would be the underdog. It would be a phenomenal fight.
I think the handspeed of Manny beats Duran but Manny would have to be careful of the counterpunching of Duran. UD Manny.
Duran at welter and ready to fight would beat the hell out of Pac at welter. Cotto,Margerito, Hatton, Moseley,Deloyhoya were past prime or not that special in the beginning. Not one was close to the level of Palamino or Leonard who were in their primes when Duran defeated them. This would be a mismatch in my opinion.
Duran. Roach himself said the same thing when asked about the 2 of them. Besides that Duran was just plain better and more versatile a fighter.
If there is one fighter who is truly capable of outbrawling Pac it’s Duran. An epic clash of styles but in the end I see Duran winning in a close but exciting fight.
No personally I don't. Palomino is one of the most unheralded, underappreciated, and underrated fighters during a time when their were 4 ATG's and a bunch of very good fighters in their primes at or close to the welter weight limit. He defeated a bunch of good/ very good fighters like Green, Muniz×2, and Stracey. He gave Benitez a heck of a fight (some thought he won) and proved his toughness and skill in the fight with a prime Duran. So yes I have Palomino over Cotto. Slightly so. But better nevertheless.
Duran of Montréal by KO for me, Pacquiao of the Cotto fight would make it difficult but I don't think he does better than Leonard does. I imagine any other version of Duran loses to the Cotto fight Pacquiao on points
I'm assuming the best version of each fighter at the weight, so Duran 79/80 (the one that beat Palomino and Leonard) v Pacquiao '08/'09 (the one that beat De La Hoya and Cotto). Duran was more defensively canny and I'd take Duran's chin over Pacquiao's but Pacquiao would likely cause Duran problems with his speed. Loads of action, it goes to points and Duran nicks it. But a damn fine matchup.