Could Roberto Duran upset Tony Zale?

Duran had the speed to outbox Zale. I could see Roberto banging out a decision at his best. Duran was very cute in the ring and at his best could outbox Zale.

 

That's a rational conclusion, and an entirely plausible outcome. I'll try making an alternative case here for a different result.

A key element of Dundee's strategy for SRL heading into Montreal was to go for the body, but like Palomino, Ray discovered this was easier said than done, due in part to Duran's protective body posture [which Cosell made specific comment of during his voice-over for that contest].

Make no mistake about it. Duran over 1942 Zale would definitely be an upset, but Tony was far greater at 160 than peak Barkley [and I believe Iran actually did peak for Roberto]. However, I don't believe body punching would be the key to this one. The difference would be what it was between Hagler and Duran, where the great big man stands his ground, and successfully forces the great small man into all the movement concessions, an enervating process for the one retreating. SRL took most of the championship rounds in Montreal after El Cholo clinched the scoring and took his foot off the accelerator to coast, and it was in the championship rounds where Hagler secured a clear enough UD 15 that it's not debated who deserved the final decision.

I expect Zale-Duran would be a very satisfying 15 rounds of fighting, and I have no issues with anybody picking Duran, as Tony was described as being wide open and available to be hit, even after unifying against Abrams [due in part to his downstairs orientation]. But I believe El Cholo's low form would largely take body shots out of the equation, making Zale concentrate more on the head, thus protecting his own head more proactively by default. The Hoosier would be the aggressor in this one, and I wouldn't be surprised if his back never touched the ropes at any time in the contest.

Following Hagler, Roberto noted, "All his power's concentrated in his right. The left is dead." If this is true, then Tony would enjoy a major advantage to offset Marv's southpaw jab and orientation. I think Hagler's versatility actually worked against him with Duran, compromising his focus and taking him out of "Destruct and Destroy" mode. But here, Roberto would be faced with somebody who would only need to adapt to his body punching opportunities being reduced, somebody who would adjust accordingly only as necessary, not preemptively over-thinking ahead of time.

Zale had very well documented two fisted power and championship round endurance. He decisioned Abrams over that distance, stopped Hostak in 13 and Marmakos in 14. Palomino had a one punch left hook, while Hagler had his deadly right. Tony had both, making Duran defend himself on both sides, and enabling Zale to gain the Panamanian's respect. Tony never lost to a smaller man during his prime. SRL and Palomino were both forced to respect Duran's power, while Hagler could walk through it. I expect the latter case with Marv would also be true for the Man of Steel. He might get caught off guard early with a flash KD, but if so, he'd get right back up and proceed as if nothing happened.

1942 Zale UD 15 1983 Duran, close but clear, with Tony possibly coming from behind after a slowish start.

 

THAt'S good dope anubus

Got a keeper quote off old fulton recently
It was Georgie Abrams the morning after the Zale fight
Said Georgie,,,"Zales the best i've ever fought"

Look at the monsters in his record up till then
Makes your head spin!