LIGHTWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND, Ismael Laguna vs Roberto Duran

Duran's own movement, head movement and foot speed is remarkable, perhaps better than Laguanas. His hand speed is also great. Plus in the exchanges Laguana would get man handled.

Lets also bear in mind Ortiz got the better of Laguana and Duran is just better than Ortiz while operating a similar style.

 

Roberto Duran is the lightweight Division.

 

The best Panamanian lightweight against the second best. Duran stays one step ahead of Laguna all the way pounding out a clear points victory.

 

Laguna takes the early rounds with good movement and a nice jab as Duran plays the patient stalker. Duran realises Laguna is frustrating him so turns it up and swarms over him ala Buchanan and really turns it on late to win a fairly wide UD but competitive

 

Very good match up, Laguna is a difficult style for Duran and could win but I would still favour Duran via close decision.

 

Duran would be mentally & physically prepared for this Panamanian superfight. A very hard combination to beat. Laguna moves well, but has to pay a price for every punch he throws. Duran's nonstop pounding wears out Laguna & Duran is in control in the late rounds. Ismael is crafty enough to survive. Duran 15 round UD.

 

Laguna would attempt to box and move but down the stretch I would think Duran's cutting off of the ring would prevail and he get to Laguna and stop him. In the 14th round.

 

Effective smart preasure from Duran to go along with his boxing ability and he grinds Laguna down for a UD.

 

There is a school of thought that Laguna retired when he did to avoid meeting the emerging Duran,I dont know if there is any truth to it,but I confidently pick Duran here, I know he could be given problems by fast boxers, but in beating Buchanan he beat a better fighter than Laguna imo.
I confess I am not a Laguna fan and find him something of a show boat, which I think an "in condtion" Ortiz proved in their second fight , but I know that is a minority opinion.
Duran by u dec.

 

when i first read this i though no way Duran stops Laguna. But then Buchanan came on very strong (so did Ortiz) in the late rounds against laguna and Duran comes on extra strong late so a stoppage is on the cards IMO.

I didnt think Laguna retired to not fight Duran. As he lost the ttile to Buchanan and would have had no need to fight Duran