Ray Robinson V Roberto Duran at welterwegiht

By the later rounds, this fight might end up being the most vicious fight ever witnessed.

 

Despite being a natural lightweight, Duran was about as impressive as any welterweight we have footage of in that brief time from Palomino to Leonard. I don't like his chances against Robinson, but then I don't really like any welterweight's chances against Robinson. I think he gives a great account of himself and makes it quite close. He was too damn good not to.

 

Your last sentence is 100% spot on. Duran, in his prime, was far too good to be blitzed in two rounds. The Hearns fight should not be looked at when comparing this fight. Hearns knocked a fat 154 lbs Duran out who hadn't even trained for the fight. In his prime, Duran was one of the greatest defensive fighters ever, so hard to hit clean on the inside. Whilst Robinson was faster than The Hitman, it's questionable that his power Was greater than Hearns.

I see Duran starting fast, landing on Sugar (who wasn't THAT great defensively) and being very competitive by the half way stage, if not leading on the cards. By then, the bigger Robinson's shots would start to take their effect on the man from Panama, wearing him down on the inside. By the time Roberto changes his game plan and backs up, SRR already has a lead which won't be pulled back. Robinson takes a semi close decision over 15 for me.

 

Two of my greatest favourites, SRR, too much for Roberto, if they fought ten times, he would win nine.