Manny couldn't beat a prime Estaban DeJesus at 135. Manny has that habit of lunging in when he punches, he runs into a big right hand and gets knocked out in 8. A smaller shorter man can't keep Duran off,, geez even Manny's trainer Freddie Roach thought Duran would beat him
I have no problem with that especially with his wins after loss to Horns.. I love Manny. In terms of achievement, Manny is certainly up there. With eye ball test regarding skill, i would go with Duran, Duran can basically do it all, his defense is on par with his offense.. now Pac defense actually got better as time goes.
Stylistically, I think this favours Pac. Pac is better as a counterpuncher with guys who came at him. That said, Duran was tricky as fk, hard as fk chin, may walk through Pac and fight on the inside and Pac doesn't do great there.
The eye test for hand and foot speed very clearly goes to Pac though. Makes me think in a war of attrition, Pac will land more before Duran could. And Pac could hurt anyone who drops their guard down on him, most of the guys survive by backing off or in the case of Horn, employing the rush-grab tactic.
Speed probably yes, but quickness I’m not too sure. If we are talking about head to head, Duran is slightly bigger and you brought up Horn rush and grap tactic, well.. Duran was a master at that, even against much bigger foes. Duran also very good in counter punching and on par with Marquez in terms of toughness. Still I believe it’s a tough fight for both but favor Duran slightly
I’m not sure if it’s counterpunching that was the issue with JMM, Bradley clearly out counterpunched JMM and Pac dealt with him just fine. I think JMMs style is just a nightmare against Pac which is what allows JMM to perform above his class, when he loses to guys like Chris John. Similar to Ali-Norton. Watching Duran bully SRL in the first fight looks pretty scary for Pac though, that said, I’ve never seen Pac bullied in a brawl, it’s a firefight and Pac can land more than would be landed on him. Horn was 5’10 bullrushing Pac, holding him then leaning on him, not to mention a prime Pac would have khtfo anyhow. Who is Duran most like? Probably a combination of MAB, Cotto and Hatton. In fact quite similar to Mab except more skilled, faster, hits harder, better chin, more ferocious. Have the bullying tactics of Hatton.
Best versions at 147, Duran beats both. Pac has a better chance of pulling off the upset, but also has a better chance of being KO'd. Duran - Pac Duran by 8-4, 9-3 or late stoppage. (Exciting, action-filled fight) Duran - Floyd Duran 7-5 or 8-4. (Less exciting, less action, but more pure boxing skills on display)
