It is July 1 1978 and a press release is posted. Alexis Arguello has sprained his ankle so will not be fighting a non title fight with Vilomer Fernandez on the fifth. But in brighter Arguello news, it also has been announced Roberto Duran has agreed to one final fight at Lightweight in November with Alexis. So who are you going with?
Arguello hadn’t really grown into a full fledged Lightweight yet. He’d just won the Super Featherweight title earlier that year. On top of that, Duran would probably be weight drained. Still, I’m taking the bigger man.
As much as I love AA and the way that he fought, I think Duran would wear him out and stop him late. Duran was simply to strong and to versatile.
Arguello is my favorite fighter of all time but at this time I think Duran gets a late stoppage as he would against most at this period
Arguello being a stand up fighter and stationary is a bad mix. He was lethal himself but not quite as quick as Duran. Roberto a bit more dynamic. He would pick Alexis apart. ETM would have some moments, probably get Duran's respecto a couple of times. Two great fighters. Duran by TKO 5th round.
I love Alexis, But I think duran would really beat him bad. The longer it goes the worse the beating. But I do keep thinking about that long right hand delivered by Hearns. Alexus had a nice one
Prime Duran would beat Arguello convincingly, but Arguello definitely had a puncher's chance. Not sure he could have stopped, but certainly slowed up Hands of Stone.
Duran wouldn't be hit as cleanly. He had a way of rolling and slipping in the pocket. He had vision that was uncommon. His anticipation to turn his head just enough to take the steam off a punch. He was never an easy target. Arguello took punches more squarely. He was tough and had a big heart. I just don't see many 135lbers surviving the force of nature that was Duran of 1978 unless they ran for their life.
