Great post! I’ll also add that judging by physiques as they moved up in weight, Duran never used steroids. That makes his success at higher weights even more impressive.
I think you'd have to be kidding yourself if you think they were not doping in the 80's and earlier when there was no real testing at all. Also you can't judge physiques as a sign of doping. Fury, Toney, Wach, Miller etc all with less than impressive physiques, yet all caught doping.
I dont know if it counts for or against him that Duran accomplished what he did post montreal without being in serious shape or hungry again. I think he, like Joe Frazier and some other great agressive fighters, left a large chunk of his hunger in the ring after reaching the pinnacle. He did the rest on experience on skill. Hes my favorite fighter and imo the greatest fighter since Ali.
Duran for me. Pac might have had a shout if he was to have fought Mayweather in 2010 and won, instead of 5 years later after KO6 and such a damp squid of a fight with Floyd when ut finally came to pass. Stark contrast to Duran vs SRL in Montreal. But then again, who knows what would have happened if they fought in 2010 and what Pac would have done after - h showed greatness in coming back after KO6 to a degree. The 4 Kings elevated each other to such an extent it's near impossible for anyone in the modern age of aging/ducking & marinating with the best not fighting the best to come close to their status on the ATG lists. My 2c
This Also Duran has a strong case of being the goat in one of boxing original weigtclasses, plus he pushed the absolute beast Hagler close at 160 over 15 rounds Duran imo is a fair bit ahead of manny, Floyd and anyone else right now Yeah he was smashed by hearns and the no mas left a stain, but overall the guy has had arguably the greatest career in more modern times Duran should be in anyone's all time ten imo
I lean Duran but there's no reason it has to be an either or...theyre both Top 20 ATG fighters...and Duran usually top 10 on most lists. Pac had an unbelievable run up to 135 and then a careful resume above 135 but he still had to win the fights and that he did. Also, funny that we bring these 2 into conversation as Duran and Manny have 2 of the best recoveries EVER in boxing. 99% of the time when a boxer is brutally KOd theyre never the same but these 2 - duran and manny - my Lord were they special.
My only problem with these opinions is that I feel what Pacquiao did at welter is normalised nowadays and therefore an underrated aspect. Back when he was at 126-130 you would be insane to think he could beat up the likes of hatton, mosley, dlh, cotto or even margarito. He was nowhere near a welter. Its like Duran beating up Barkley for me and more. Like if teo lopez would beat up canelo. Would be crazy to even consider it now.