Arcel was trying to keep Roberto active as he was prone to run wild between fights and he knew Duran wasn't in championship shape. His body actually looked a little soft for the fight. The best part of that fight was DeJesus literally lifted Duran off the canvas with that booming hook! Roberto got up looked around and nodded , that was a helluva punch!
No he wasn't. He always fought lots of nontitle fights interspersed with 3 or so defenses a year. All fighters but heavys did this. Only in the last 40 yrs since 1980 have fighters fought so seldom and pretty much only title fights when they win it. That is why they suck today and really do not have the experience to compete with a Duran or Arguello of the 70s. A Williams or LaMotta of the 40s. An Ambers or Petrolle of the 30s.
I know about non-title schedules from back in the day. In fact, I think they should make a comeback. I was just being cheeky, since Duran wasn't exactly in the best shape that night.
Roberto Duran had just defeated Ken Buchanan for the title on June 26 1972 by TKO 13. His trainer Ray Arcel, as another talented poster alluded to said that Ray did want his fighter to be active between title bouts but Duran did underestimate Esteban De Jesus on Nov 17 1972 in Madison Square Garden. Esteban floored Duran in round 1, then went on to decision him. They met again on March 16 1974 i a WBA title bout, Roberto again was floored but stopped De Jesus in round 11. They met for the last time in a title unification bout on January 21 1978, Dutan did not het decked this time, stopped Esteban in round 12, this was Roberto's last title defense at 135 lbs.
