Before their two fights there was a lot of trash talking and bad blood, but I've also heard that Vinny actually idolized Duran as a younger fighter, and was ringside when Duran destroyed Davey Moore. Was the hatred just to build up interest in the fights, or was there really a mutual respect between the two. I can see Paz being influenced by Duran in his fighting style, flamboyance, and macho attitude.
According to Durans new book yes they did but it was Paz of course who started in on his family. Christ Duran was like 50 wen they fought and that idiot who i always hated acted like he beat a prime Duran. Low life
Couldn't agree more. Pazienza was never anything more than a glorified club fighter with good marketing and decent hand speed. Prime Duran beats him like a drum. Than being said, Paz would likely be a 4-5 division "champion" in this anemic age of boxing we are currently suffering through.
I live in New England and have known people that knew Vinny. They say he's just a boorish barroom braggart.
I suppose we're both guilty of playing down his scintillating victory over the legendary Gilbert Dele. I mean honestly, there can't be that many junior-middleweights from the island of Guadeloupe in the early-90's that could have beaten that guy.
