Having just read George Kimball's 'Four Kings' tome - which was a good read, for sure - I just don't see Duran as being in the same league as the other three greats mentioned therein, i.e. Hagler / Leonard or the original 'Hitman' - Hearns. Am I alone in my assessment of rating 'Hands of Stone' as little more than a street thug with only basic boxing skills? Okay, he beat Sugar Ray fair and square in their first outing, but this was more down to Leonard 'not showing up' on the night, and Hagler giving him far too much respect in their match-up, resulting in probably Hagler's poorest showing in a world title bout. I was miffed at Kimball's description of Kirkland Laing as merely 'a journeyman,' when, in truth, had he applied himself, 'the Gifted One' could surely have won a version of the world crown. He boxed rings around Duran, only to get a majority decision against the 'home' fighter that night. Duran was also most fortunate to get a decision against Scotland's finest, Kenny Buchanan, when, after hitting him 'south of the border' for the umpteenth time, Buchanan was unable to continue. Not only was Duran gifted the stoppage win, but Buchanan was never granted the automatic rematch he should so obviously been granted. No, Duran was just a determined little street brawler, albeit with much grit and determination when he was 'up for it,' but got well and truly found out against most decent quality opposition. It's high time that the Duran myth was exposed once and for all.
I take it you have never seen Duran as a lightweight, he was outstanding. Duran was at his absolute peak in the first Leonard fight and Leonard pulled a *****/smart (depending on your view) move by going for an immediate rematch because he knew Duran would be ****ed from getting down to 147 after all the partying.
Are you a troll? If not then that is a pretty bold statement, my friend. I completely agrre with you about the Buchannan fight and for me that is the only gripe I've got with him but I would still say a resounding 'NO' to your point- Duran is in no way overrated.
He's overrated at 147 and above where he struggled. However for a little Panamanian he was good. Went 12 hard rounds with Hagler. Beat Leonard. For a lightweight thats phenominal.
Duran was a very special fighter, Come on , the man fought in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's. A very rare talent.
:nono Quit reading about it and watch some of his fights for yourself u impressionable dick. The man was a beast and deserves his spot with the p4p elite. This **** is insulting. :fire