Coming at Duran is the wrong gameplan, even if your footwork is smooth, Napoles's footwork is only smooth on the front foot, fighting off the back foot is the way to beat Duran, he didn't have the fastest feet, going at him just gives him counterpunching opportunities, he was a master and leaning out of the way, forcing them to leave themselves open and taking advantage, or slipping to the side whilst on the inside and coming up with a punch, Napoles would give him all of those opportunities
Great match up. I favour Nápoles here in a one off fight but if went to a series then Duran at least takes a fight. Both are iron chinned, brilliant technicians with attributes that would trouble each other. The skill and subtlety displayed would be off the charts here that’s for sure.
Great fight. Napoles is literally the only person I pick over Duran at LWW. Napoles Duran I Williams Armstrong McFarland
A focused Duran beats Napoles, and beats him convincingly, probably stops him. Napoles was a small welterweight, his frame suggested he would've been more effective at jr.welter/lightweight (It's the main reason I don't understand the praise Monzon gets for beating him, he Should have beaten him convincingly, a great big man vs a great little man who was past his prime) Duran conversely when in shape looked great at welter, he filled into the weight like a glove, judging by how effective he was against Palomino and Leonard both better fighters than anyone Napoles faced during his championship run with a possible exception of Griffith at welter. I just don't see where Napoles has an advantage. Skills? No because of the way they fought they were just about even, though I believe Duran was better skilled overall. Conditioning? Doubtful Duran had two extremely fast paced fights against two atg's at the weight while they were prime in Palomino and Leonard, he looked like he could go another 5 rds after both fights. Power and speed? Negotiable , though Napoles may have hit harder, Duran dropped the iron chinned Palomino, and repeatedly hurt prime Leonard in Montreal. Duran brought his power to welter, and looked super quick at the weight. I like Duran here if he's focused, maybe easier than some may think.
This is a helluva fight. And it is a very close bout, with the element of a real chess match about it. Both had mastered the extraordinary blending of offense and defense and each would be shown things they hadn't seen before, in my opinion. Napoles, with his unique rhythm and unpredictability; Duran with his highly intelligent pressure and infighting. I think the edge goes to Duran, as I suspect he might frequently force Napoles into uncomfortable states, but this is a far cry from a sure thing. Napoles could do this.
