How would the best MW version of Duran do against some of SRR most famous names who managed to beat him. Turpin Basilio Fullmer
Just curious, what reasons do you believe he losses to Turpin? Seems a few have picked Turpin to win, and I'm just curious if it's a style thing or what in particular.
For a short time Turpin was a tough fighter to beat. I think the beating at the hands of Robnison in `51 plus other mental issues accelerated is downfall. With that said during his short peak he brought, size, power and very good hand speed but most of all he brought an awkward style to the table. An unorthodox jab that was highly effective. His upper body strength was uncommon for a Middleweight, he looked more like a Lightheavy. He punched from unusual angles and had fast hands. He was busy as well. I think this type of fighter would be a problem for a Middleweight Duran.
His hand speed was no better than even the Duran MW version of Duran. Upper body strength isn't going to win him the fight imo either. My problem with Turpin beating Duran is that Turpin when he fought aggressive he was just swinging for the fences with a lot of wild hooks and inside fighting. He missed a lot of punches. That isn't going to work with Duran. Duran straight right would find a home all night long. Turpin liked to hook more than delivering straight punches. If he gets inside, I simply believe Duran is the better inside fighter. When he respects his foe, like for example against Robinson, he wasn't nearly as aggressive and was more patient but I'm not sure that is the strategy to use against Duran either. Duran is simply a better boxer at distance. Again, his jab, yes it was awkward, but it was nothing that was going to win him the fight against Duran. It didn't control the fight with SRR, nor any of his top foes. It was awkward and good, but I'm not seeing any game changer here.
I disagree with you on Turpin`s speed and quickness. He was beating Sugar Ray Robinson to the punch in England consistently for 15 rounds. 1951 version of Sugar Ray was much quicker than Duran {even on an off night} In the rematch at the Polo Grounds Sugar Ray was blazing fast and sharp but Turpin wasn't far behind him in the exchanges. Duran didn't have much speed as a middleweight. He relied on his Ring IQ and his counterpunching. On your other point Turpin`s strength and awkwardness would certainly be a factor. He had an odd rhythm and delivery of his punches. It took the great Sugar Ray to actually face him before he figured out how to deal with it.
I'm slightly confused ETM... You don't think Duran's pinpoint straight right hand would find an opening with Turpin's wild hooking he often did? You don't think it left him wide open? Which is why I disagree with the speed angle. Let's say you're right, and Turpin's speed is a little superior, is that not mitigated by Duran punching straighter which would make up any speed advantage Turpin did have? I'm also curious if you think Turpin's best bet is to fight in close with Duran, which is how he fought a lot. I just don't think he beats Duran there imo, but maybe you're thinking of something other strategy he would choice to employ. Lastly the jab, SRR was getting the better of the jabbing wouldn't you say in their fights? So who are you thinking of that Turpin's jab was a game changer against a world class foe?
