Duran thrived against come-forward, aggressive fighters & had his best performances against this type of fighter. Which come-forward, aggressive fighter do you think has the best chance of beating Duran?
Benny “kid” Paret deserves a shout IMO, As for the list I think the top three picks are as follows JCC, Felix and Aaron.
On this list only Pryor, Chavez and Trinidad has a chance. But it's a very thin chance, Pryor and Chavez could out-work Duran similar to what happened in the 1st DeJesus fight where Duran was surprised by DeJesus ability. With their immense ability, and toughness I can see Chavez or Pryor pulling it off--- once . Trinidad would have a height and reach advantage at welterweight, plus , he was quick at the weight with tremendous punching power. He could land the punch out of the blue and hurt Duran badly, conceivably could stop him. However more than likely Duran,if he's at his best steamrolls him similar to what he did to a much better fighter in Ray Leonard. With the exception of Duran would stop Trinidad. The rest on the list are Cannon fodder , with various rounds of getting K'oed, or beaten convincingly.
Chavez at lightweight; Trinidad at welterweight. And I still don't see it happening. Chavez was great and everything he did he did very, very well but I think Duran did it that bit better. Trinidad is probably too one dimensional for Duran but he has size and power to his advantage. But Duran would be too clever for him. And Trinidad's lack of a really obvious edge in speed doesn't help his chances either. The wildcards here are Pacquiao and Pryor. Pacquiao's speed would be his one obvious advantage so I can see him having early success with it but I think Duran would time his bouncing in and out style, just as JMM found ways to. Pryor's whirlwind attack would make it a can't miss fight between 135-140 with Duran but I think the accuracy of Duran's punches would make the difference. Duran hit hard at 135 but he hit accurately with it as well - that would be Pryor's problem as I think he was too loose defensively and he wouldn't be able to just overwhelm Duran with volume like he did his other opponents, Arguello included.
Some of these have no chance. Cotto, Hatton, Margarito, Mancini and Gatti would all be brutalised in a way that only Davey Moore can describe. The other five are the ones with somewhat of a chance. Pryor vs Duran would be competitive early on, and explosive at times, but no-one with a defence that poor can afford to give Duran that many opportunities. I think Duran would stop Pryor. Entertaining, but a clear win. I know it's the cliche of "Duran is better at everything than everyone" but like, yeah. He was really ****ing good in all areas. I don't see what advantage Chavez has that he could use vs Duran. I think Duran's strategy here would be similar to what he did vs Thompson, and focus on boxing more than managing to win a macho contest. I think that feinting lead and those brutal uppercuts find their mark. Felix Trinidad has the power, but I don't think he can land it enough to beat Duran. Once Duran finds that spot in the pocket to work from, I think it's only a matter of time before he takes over. Is Shane Mosley a pressure fighter? I never thought so. Mosley was like a wannabe Sugar Ray. Only he had none of the smarts and not as much talent. Duran beats him up. I think Pacquiao has as good a chance as any on this list. I find it weird to dismiss him quicker than you'd dismiss Pryor or Chavez TBH. He'd give Duran hell on the outside with his weird angles, constant pivots and ridiculous speed. I think he'd do some damage at points. But Pacquiao's inside game is quite average and Duran would sucker Pacquiao into counters and likely get inside as Pacquiao darts towards him. Peak Duran goes 10-0 here.
Tough list to come up with only one best chance, as I think prime Duran was better than all of them. If I had to pick one, then it’d be Chavez. Now, if we’re talking “Plaster Puncher” Margarito or “Special Drink” Pryor.....
Good analysis, the styles of Pryor and Chavez make me think these fights will end by TKO, As you said Pryor Duran would be explosive but I can't see Aaron winging those shots coming at Duran. I think he goes in 5. Chavez style is he has to come forward and against Duran he'll get into in fighting where he loses. Chavez will get stopped 12-14. Trinidad is straight up and I think Duran figures him out quickly. Pacquaio? Manny was very quick but at lightweight Roberto wasn't exactly slow, Duran's constant pressure keeps Manny wary and if he jumps in as he's prone to do he'll get caught. Manny would do well to go the distance losing a wide UD
I have to go with JC Chavez. He has the chin to withstand Duran , and has incredible accuracy. It would have been a great fight. Then Trinidad - Because he had size , speed , power and quickness. It gives him a small chance to KO Duran before Roberto figures him out and then outboxes Felix. Pryor would be fun, but no chance he survives. I actually give Hatton and Cotto a chance against Duran, Hatton would maul and likley make a great fight for awhile, Cotto is good at everything and potentially could catch Duran on a bad day and win a split decision ( ala De Jesus). Shane Mosley could do the same. Manny Paq has so much power and speed, but he can be hit... Against Duran that is lethal. So no ... They are all good fun fights. But you have to give the Duran the edge in all of them.
Pac fighting a perfect fight could do it, machine like with weird angles and punches out of no where. Other than that I don’t really see Duran having trouble with any of them in his prime.
