Duran of the Barkley upset. Meeting Herol Bomber Graham, who's just lost a thin decision to Mike McCallum? I actually think Graham is a bad matchup for Duran and maybe get himself a decision.
Gotta go with the Bomber here. Duran’s next fight after Barkley, he lost a ho-hummer to Ray Leonard because he couldn’t deal with basic lateral movement. Herol’s feet would rarely touch the ground. At best, Duran loses in similar fashion to the Laing fight … at worst it’s an absolute shutout with Roberto never in the same zip code as Graham.
Herol Graham nearly beat a peak McCallum, was split second away from kayoing Julian Jackson. was robbed in 2nd Kalambay fight. Duran beat a slugger in Barkley in a classic but lost his other two big fights at middleweight. Great performance against Hagler and a tough loss to Marvin´s half-brother Robbie Sims. Sims was a fringe contender type who was very hittable. Herol would be just too fast and elusive, Duran was very crafty and get in some right hands but would be outpunched and Graham had decent power. Herol on points.
I agree,Fergy. Duran could no longer handle stylish boxer types at that point in his career - in fact,even in his prime he found movers hard to deal with. Graham by shutout.
Can't see Roberto getting himself in top shape for this guy. Totally different bout than a slugger like Barkley.
Graham could have and probably would have won a decision win over Roberto. Barkley was right there for Duran to hit and gave him the best style to win. Duran was great when he had someone in front of him and in range to work his magic. Barkley could punch, but Duran could hit him also and Duran could take a good punch and work this best. With Hearns Duran was on the outside of a faster fighter, so he couldn't do much, although I think in a longer fight Tommy beating Tommy might be inclined to fight with Duran and could get caught with a punch, but still he would have been hard for Duran to beat. Duran incidentally would do well with someone like Nigel Benn.
