There's not much of a size difference here, and both men at their best were two of the most complete fighters ever. Who would get the better of the action at 135, 140, and at 147?
Stylistically, Duran should get the better of Napoles. Napoles had no qualms about throwing down and trading, which would turn the fight into an inside war where it's very possible Napoles would be cut at some point with the shots he'd be taking. Duran on cuts in a highly skilled, action packed fight at any of the weights(and I mean as highly skilled as they come). He'd just have Mantequilla's number style-wise, though he'd never outclass him.
That's pretty much how I see it as well. If Napoles were to be content with staying on the outside and trying to avoid in-fighting with Duran, do you see him being capable of pulling it off? You don't really have to answer it here, I just realized I posted this in the general forum. I'll put it in the classic soon and will get more responses that I'm looking for.
If Benites,Dejesus,Hearns,Leonard beat Duran he will never beat Napoles at 147lbs.Napoles was a complete package.
The problem for Napoles here is that he can't resist a brawl. Both are brilliant fighters, amongst the best of all time, but once they being to trade Duran would have the advantage. Mantequillla was an almost robotic fighter, once he got into his rythm at mid-range he was breathtaking. Duran wouldn't let him get such a rythm, and had the neccesary tools to outclass him up-close. Duran was the much better in-fighter, add this to Napoles tendancy to cut and I'm sure Duran would get the better of it. I'd also say Duran was the stronger of the two, so he'd likely be able to outmuscle him and control where the distance of the fight. I can see this being one of the greatest fights ever, but Duran wins a highly competitive fight due to his relentless pressure, strength and ATG in-fighting skills. Duran close UD.
By that logic if Backus, Stracey, and arguably Muniz could beat Napoles he would never beat Duran at 147.
