Roberto Durán Vs Wilfred Benítez in 1978, Who Wins?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Mandela2039, Oct 25, 2025 at 9:04 PM.


Who Wins?

  1. Durán PTS

  2. Benítez PTS

  3. Durán KO

  4. No option for Benítez KO, you seriously were going to pick that?

Results are only viewable after voting.
  1. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 Philippians 2:10-11 Full Member

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    While i was looking for answers to my previous post about Duran fights that never got made, a reddit user gave me this crucial info

    https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/14/archives/duran-has-new-opponent.html

    the Benitez fight WAS actually going to happen, but Wilfredo had to pull out because of hepatitis.

    SO, if this REALLY did happen, who you think would've won?
     
    Mandela2039, Oct 25, 2025 at 9:04 PM
    Mandela2039, Oct 25, 2025 at 9:04 PM
    #1
  2. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    At that exact moment i do not think Benitez would beat Duran. He was enormously talented but a touch fragile.

    On another note i think Duran at his 147 best (Palomino/Leonard) would beat Benitez at 147 and below.

    I also think the 154 pound Benitez that did beat Duran beats any version of Duran that ever stepped into the ring. He looked pinnacle that night.
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 25, 2025 at 9:55 PM
    JohnThomas1, Oct 25, 2025 at 9:55 PM
    #2
    Reinhardt, TipNom and Flash24 like this.
  3. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Mauling Mormon’s Full Member

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    I don’t think Duran took Benitez overly serious when it happened, post Montreal the fire was out.
     
    Journeyman92, Oct 26, 2025 at 12:06 AM
    Journeyman92, Oct 26, 2025 at 12:06 AM
    #3
    Reinhardt likes this.
  4. Yorbals

    Yorbals Member Full Member

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    I think he’d beat Benitez at 147, probably by late ko. Benitez without the major speed advantage he had at 154 isn’t going to beat Duran. Palomino gave Benitez plenty of trouble at 147, Duran would be all over him.
     
    Yorbals, Oct 26, 2025 at 1:30 AM
    Yorbals, Oct 26, 2025 at 1:30 AM
    #4
    Clinton, ETM and Reinhardt like this.
  5. Smoochie

    Smoochie Boxin' dreamer Full Member

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    Eh slickness bothers Duran a lot, would still go with Wilfredo
     
    Smoochie, Oct 26, 2025 at 6:41 AM
    Smoochie, Oct 26, 2025 at 6:41 AM
    #5
  6. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    In 1978 this fight is held at Jr. welter.
    Benitez was green and still growing at this
    stage of his career.
    Duran wins a clear cut decision at this
    weight.
    Above welterweight, when Benitez
    filled out, and was at his physical
    best. Benitez wins.
     
    Flash24, Oct 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
    Flash24, Oct 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
    #6
  7. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    1978? Duran
     
    Reinhardt, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:13 AM
    Reinhardt, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:13 AM
    #7
  8. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Wilfredo Benitez dominated their actual fight at 154lbs. Wilfredo appeared strong at that weight. Duran was in good condition as well. Though he was outboxed Duran was able to hurt Wilfredo once or twice.

    If they had met in the lighter weight classes Duran's punching punching power becomes a bigger factor. Also his reflexes and speed were sharper 147 and below. Roberto could create openings and close distance much better.
    I think Duran would win a decision but not an easy fight.
     
    ETM, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:43 PM
    ETM, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:43 PM
    #8
    Clinton likes this.