Just finished reading my latest Duran book. Duran is a bloody Legend! Any way, what's Roberto s best win for you? I'm going with his first title win against our wee Kenny. Only a young guy, but he crushed Buchanan. Thoughts?
The Leonard win was prob the most significant historically, but his wins against Buchanan and Barkley are right behind it. Also the Hagler fight while not an official win was very significant as no one else went 15 with Marvin as champ, and it showed exactly why Duran is an ATG.
I can't see how it isn't the Leonard win. Moves up 10+lbs and beats no less than the second best welterweight ever. Buchanan and Barkley are fighting for second with DeJesus, and either Marcel or Ishimatsu at five. Maybe Fernandez or Moore. Or Cuevas, or... etc Lots to choose from, but Leonard is definitely number one IMO.
I can't see how that wouldn't be first and only choice. Leonard up to that time was widely considered the Boxing Miracle to take prime Ali's place. Duran made him look real bad.
The Leonard fight was 15 rounds of the most technically proficient , stunningly vicious , and beautiful to watch - while keeping you at the edge of your seat for the entire 15 rounds fight. Many of the greatest fighters people know about, say this is also their favorite fight of all time. When other greats list it as their favorite you know it has to be something special. That said, Buchanan was indeed one of the greatest and most overlooked champions around . Their fight was also phenomenal. Kenny was coming back in the final rounds prompting the Duran foul shot that ended it. Duran also never gave him a rematch for a reason. I legit think Buchanan was one fighter Duran had concerns about fighting again. But, yeah, SRL vs Duran. .......Legendary
Actually Buchanan was offered a rematch. It was for far less money than he wanted and in Panama, but he himself confirms he turned it down.
The Barkley fight, I've know a couple that say that's his greatest win. It's definitely a massive accomplishment when you look at where Duran has actually started. To come from lightweight champ 17years previously, to beating an hard hitting middle like Barkley! Takes some bloody doing.
