In another thread it has been mentioned that Duran's handlers were not eager on putting him against Cervantes. I gotta agree partially that Cervantes was a risky preposition for Duran. However, my impression is that by the time a Duran-Cervantes bout become a possibility (1977-78 Cervantes was already past his peak, while Duran was just in his prime as a LW ATG. In any case, Cervantes means problems for Duran, because he had the advantage in reach, was very resilent and his dangerous left hook could deliver. However; I think his jabbing is rather inconsistent and his style is too rigid and straightforward to adapt successfully to relentless pressure and outbox Duran while keeping him away. Thus at the end, I think Duran still had the upper card here. Had the fight happened in 1972-73 at LWW, with a still not fully developed Duran, Cervantes chances improve a lot.
Great fight. Cervantes is a bad fight for Duran but he gets the job done in a tough close encounter. Prime for prime I'd pick Duran points.
I seem to recall in the telecast of Cervantes - Dejesus in '75 a mention that Duran's handlers were there (Carlos Eleta maybe?). Based on that display, I'm not sure they wanted to look in Cervantes direction at that time. Not suggest in any way that Duran feared Cervantes. I think Duran would win a tough decision or maybe late stoppage but I see Cervantes as a very live underdog.
I agree Duran might exploit his rigid style, despite his skill and physical dimensions. I could see Cervantes getting a win in a trilogy though.
