Just heard that Frankie Duarte passed away yesterday. Rumor was that he had a brain tumor. Very saddening. I met Frankie several times. Good guy and a terrific sense of humor.
Sad to hear. Such an uplifting story. His wins over Jesus Salud and Alberto Davila (rematch) were thrilling encounters. Shame he didn´t get the decision over Pinango or get a rematch. RIP Champ PS: Short video talks about his fight with future Junior Lightweight champ Rolando Navarette (Duarte a bantam), comes across as such a nice guy: This content is protected
Guy was a warrior who had a troubled past but fought through it. Got robbed in a title fight against Pinango which could have been a great feel good comeback story of him overcoming his struggles to become champion. Nevertheless he still ended up having a redemption story.
I always liked him. I like both his fights and the way his personality came across in the few interviews I saw with him. He seemed like a good man. Rest in peace, Frankie.
They should make his life story into a movie. He was robbed against Pinango imo, and Bernardo was a very good fighter, underrated to this day. Would have been a top class win for Frankie's resume. Highly recommend anyone lurking to watch this bout and look up Duarte's story. Rich the Fight Historian has a good little video on him. RIP! This content is protected
RIP. It's hard to believe it's 40 years since his improbable comeback. The Pinango decision was some classic WBA home cooking.
If there's any boxer that I think should have a movie based on his life, struggles, and redemption its Frankie Duarte.
