Napoles vs Duran at Welter in LA

Duran would be a bit intense for the ultra cool Napoles and take him by surprise. Duran UD15.

However, Napoles would shine in the rematch, just like he always did, fighting a lot harder and possibly flooring and stunning Duran on a couple of occasions.

But I don't know... Napoles did a right job on Cokes, twice. And Cokes was a very worthy champion, trained hard for the rematch but the feat was repeated. Then again, Duran would have done the same thing.

One thing that might be overlooked here is Napoles' power being on par with Duran's. Pre-championship, Napoles was knocking out everybody. This match might have actually been more exciting at lightweight.

All we can really be sure of is that it'd be a marvellous display of boxing - both men have forgotten more skills than we've learned.

 

Napoles is DeJesus to the 5th power...he would defeat Duran over 15 in the same cool,
precise manner he did Emile Griffith, complete with a knockdown to punctuate the win.
Napoles W15 Duran.

 

I feel Napoles would be outboxing Duran, on the way to a decision win....then Duran inflicts a cut that changes the course of the fight. Reluctantly, I say Duran by SD.

 

Yes but isn't Duran also better than Griffith? I'd say so, even at welterweight. Not as accomplished of course, but if we're talking 'at their best.'

Not as awkward or as much of a spoiler of Griffith, but every bit as skilled and more ferocious with it.

Napoles would have his hands full... I'm sticking with Duran winning the first and Napoles taking the second. Interestingly both fighters are around the same height and natural weight, both being most comfortable at 135-140. I've always thought Napoles' strength was an underrated attribute of his, it would be interesting to see who outhustles who.

 

This one can go either way, don't know bout Napoles being DeJesus to he power of 5, great as he was. Duran when he first moved up to welter, when he still had that hunger was pretty awesome imo. I really don't know, this fight brings out the best of both of them, champions that they were on the big occasion. I'm gonna go for Duran to win a close fight with a late rally, he might even go down for a flash knockdown sometime during the fight. His constant intelligent pressure finally gets to Napoles who is hanging on by the bell. Could be split.

 

This is my dream fight...I'll enjoy reading this thread. Very close fight....

 

I think Napoles would win...however I think Duran would have a strong chance of winning by KO. Napoles is perhaps the most underrated Welterweight of all time.

 

Hard one to debate...Seriously could go either way.

I just really think Napoles skin is playing a major part in this fight...Roberto has the intensity, the power and the skill to catch Jose out a lot..And I struggle to see over 15 rounds his cutting problems not coming into play.

In a fight where both are so evenly matched, an intangible like that could be the difference.

I wouldnt be surprised if the odd thumb came into play for this one either.

 

Interesting scrap..i say the 1980 montreal Duran has the best shotat beating robby at 147. here Duran wins.

 

Very close contest. I give the edge to Duran,though. Roberto would forge ahead in the last couple of rounds.

 

wtf?????

 

Duran may have been p4p better than Griffith, but he wasn't as good a welter as Griffith...not as accomplished as a welter champion either..it's similar to when people who consider SRR the greatest p4p but concede that Monzon or perhaps Hagler would have beaten him at middleweight.
Everyone assumes that Napoles, regardless of who he fights in these mythical "what if" matches would shredd him and bloody him, but that ain't necessarily so. I believe that Napoles would have been to cool and sharp, and like mantequilla for Duran, like Benitez was at junior middle, with the extra added plus of being able to HURT Duran with his infinitely better weaponry than Benitez possessed. I still say Napoles W15 Duran.

 

Ive gotta say Duran from the first Leonard and Palomino fights was better then anything Ive seen from Griffith at welter.