The Duran vs Arguello bout had been promoted for 6 mos or so by the boxing mags, fans, and the fighters themselves. But assume DeJesus wins the third Duran fight, and defends the Lightweight Title against Arguello in a big money fight in Puerto Rico. Who wins????
Im a huge fan of both these guys. Like alot of Arguello opponents DeJesus does well early then Arguello starts to dismantle him. In a 15 rounder ill take Arguello by late stoppage.
De Jesus suffered like Valdez did with Monzon of fighting in same era as Duran during the 70's. However Arguello was quite clinical and his destruction of another Puerto Rican Escalera was masterful. AA breaks down De Jesus like Duran did and in a bloody battle stops De Jesus late.
Goes the distance, Alexis wouldn't hit Dejesus with the volume of shots that Duran did, he's slicker than that . Close decision.
First fight (10 rds) won by DeJesus, was at a couple of pounds over Ltweight limit. Fight 2 & 3 were for the Lightweight Title.
first fight: Duran 137 1/2, DeJesus 138 second fight: Duran 134, DeJesus 134 1/4 third fight: Duran 134 1/4, DeJesus 134
Durán became WBA champion in 1972 by defeating Ken Buchanan. He defended his WBA Title one time against DeJesus (1974), then Duran unified the WBC & WBA titles on January 21, 1978, by defeating Esteban De Jesús. DeJesus had won the WBC Lightweight version against Guts Ishimatsu back in 1976.
Alexis had his chance to fight Duran and stayed at 130, nobody was clamoring to move up in weight and fight Roberto Duran
Incorrect and i've explained it at length in the Duran - Arguello thread. Arguello absolutely wanted to fight Duran and mainly one occurrence prevented it happening.
I think Dejesus uses his speed along with some lateral movement and wins a close, hard fought decision. He had enough pop to make Arguello respect him and enough boxing skills to keep him off balance.
