Is Roberto Duran the greatest boxer since Sugar Ray Robinson?

Does Hagler W15 Duran reflect that Duran was a good middleweight or that Hagler showed him a wee bit too much respect?

 

The respect he showed him allowed Duran his moments. Even if Hagler had really turned it up though, I very much doubt he'd have got Duran out of there. But Duran still deserves credit for being able to have his moments, and for going the distance. It's like Hagler did nothing in the fight (in fact he won it clearly, 11-4 on my card IIRC) but still, a decent performance by Duran.

 

Fair point Flea. The judges cards made it seem a poorer performance than it was from Hagler.

 

Ali has comparable wins(Duran has the best win, obviously), less embarrassing losses, looks as good on film, and the head to head route, hypothetical bull**** and that, I think he beats Duran, if both same size.

They should be close together on any list. I prefer Ali.

 

Robbo was as dangerous as Hearns. Look at the granite chins he cracked!

Hearns is a terrible matchup for Duran...but not because he could out jab him all night :huh Because he could decimate him, easily. Robinson is a better combination puncher than Hearns, and in terms of speed there's little between them. Robinsons durability means he can get stuck in even more.

Due to styles, I'd say Duran lasts a bit longer than he did against Hearns. But even 'Montreal Duran' Vs a peak Welterweight Robinson....Duran is not outboxing Ray, no way. It's not a 'few bombs' he'll be eating either, Robinson would muller him. He was a far greater offensive fighter than Duran ever faced (and yes I'm including Leonard and Hearns in that) and equl to Duran in that respect; as tough, and naturally bigger.

I don't see Duran winning one out of ten to be honest. Bad matchup.

 

:good

Nice try Vano!!!:good

 

That argument has never made any sense to me. If they're the same size they're completely different fighters, how do you match up their skillset? Does Ali lose the reach advantage he'd have as well, even though they're being pitted together at a hypothetical even weight?!?

I agree that Ali should be close to Duran. But 'less embarrassing losses'? He lost to Leon Spinks FFS, and that's just the easiest pick. 'Looks good on film'? How is that something to choose when you're matching him up with Duran?!?

Really it's down to pure resume IMO, as I say, close. I can definitely see the case for Ali. Just not down to some of the reasons you listed, some pretty odd criteria (only my opinion)

Duran has the best win? Really? Ali-Foreman and Duran-Leonard 1? I'm not sure that, in the context of both fights, you could definitively say Durans win was better than Ali's.

 

It seems to be harder for a great HW to "beat" a great lighter fighter who moved through the weights in these debates.

I always have Hank as my number 1!

 

I was giving examples. I ****ing HATE 'pound for pound' because it's so commonly misconstrued/misused. The head to head thing is my opinion that Ali had a style which would negate Duran's style. Not the fighters. It's all hypothetical, and arguing about ideas is like wanking with a sandpaper glove on.

Also, losing to Leon Spinks at the end of a long damaging career is **** all on Duran's losses. Plenty of excuses are ready made for him by his worshippers though.

 

100% yes, I would only place Robbo, Greb & Armstrong above Duran all time.

If the Hagler fight had been over 12 rounds he would have won by decision (though it would have been a shameful robbery) but Hagler won the last 3 on all 3 scorecards. I also thought he lost against Barkley (though it was a very close fight) & I am a huge Duran fan.

My favourite Duran fights.

1. Barkley
2. Leonard
3. Palomino
4. De Jesus 2
5. Cuevas

 

What about losing the series against Norton?

 

Won 2/3. Was also past prime. What about losing horribly to Benitez? And getting demolished by a chinny Hearns who failed against all the other top opposition he faced?

 

The gift against Jimmy Young, the dodgy ring in Zaire & the robbery of Doug Jones?

Its easy to pick apart anyones record & I can completely understand why you could choose Ali above Duran.

However if my son ever did I would disown him:deal