Roberto Duran, turned professional at age 16 years, 8 months. It has been stated, that many of his early opponents, were 'off-the-street' amateurs, or 'off-the-farm bean-pickers'. While going 9-0-0 (8 KO's) in 1968, Roberto scored '7' (1st-Round) Knockouts versus 'over-matched' opponents. Starting out a 118 lb. Bantamweight, Roberto was fighting at 124 lbs. by years end. 2/23/68 'First Professional Bout' Roberto Duran {119 1/4 lbs.} out-scores 18-year-old Carlos Mendoza {118 lbs.} another Panamanian Bantamweight making his debut over 4-Rounds. Carlos Mendoza did go on to become a very good 'Super Bantamweight' in the 1970's, and did reach the Top 5 at 122 lb. Division. Included bouts versus World Rated; Rigoberto Riasco (2x), Enrique Pinder (2x), Romeo Anaya, Octavio Gomez, Ruben Olivares, Jose Luis Soto (2x), Jorge Torres, Jacinto Fuentes, Juan Meza (2x), Jaime Garza, Joaquin Acuna, Antonio De La Paz, Felipe Orzocco and Juan Antionio Lopez. A total of '8' World Champions, and '14' other Top 10 World-rated fighters. Those opponents qualify Carlos Mendoza as a high-quality fighter. In 1984 {16 years later}, Carlos Mendoza was still campaigning at 122 lbs. Quite an amazing feat in itself. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- But the next '8' opponents, were at best 'inept boxers'. * KO 1....Juan Gondola {1-8-1} * KO 1....Manuel Jiminez {0-0-0} * KO 1....Eduardo Morales {0-0-0} * KO 1....Enrique Jacobo {0-0-0} * KO 1....Leroy 'Chombon' Carghill {4-8-2} * KO 1...Cesar 'Uche' DeLeon {2-0-1} * KO 4...Juan Gondola {1-9-1} * KO 1...Carlos 'Kid Cafe' Howard {0-0-1} A) Juan Gondola, ended his career with a 3-19-2 record, and was a 'two-time' 1968 Knockout victim. B) Manuel Jiminez, from the Dominican Republic, ended up at 0-5-0, including losses to Carlos Mendoza and Rigoberto Riasco. C) Eduardo Morales, his bout with Roberto Duran was his only professional bout. D) Enrique Jacobo, his bout with Roberto Duran was his only professional bout. E) Leroy Carghill, went on to a 7-12-2 (1 KO) career record. But did face the likes of Enrique Maxwell, Carlos Mendoza, Dino Del Cid and Ernesto Marcel. F) Cesar 'Uche' DeLeon, ended up with a 4-5-1 record. G) Carlos 'Kid Cafe' Howard, finished up at 0-2-1.
almost every1 begins his careers fighting no1s , maybe Tszyu , Raedemacher & Maskaev began a little differently .
Thats interesting, I read that in Duran's biography. Apparently he was painting someone's house when Eleta (I believe?) offered him a pro fight. Unless im confusing this with his amateur debut, but im pretty sure it was his entrance to the pro ranks.
Philly, I believe Carlos Eleta's first experience with Roberto Duran, was when he caught a 15 year-old Roberto stealing coconuts from his estate in Panama. Soon after Robert started boxing professionally. Roberto's first manager was a 'jockey'. Not sure when, but Carlos Eleta bought Roberto's contract for $300.
You are right, he was painting when he was offered his first pro fight. I don't know if it was by Eleta or someone else, can't remember now. It's in his biography by Christian Giudice.
Carlos Eleta saw Roberto Duran in his 'first' professional fight, versus Carlos Mendoza on February 23, 1968, a Friday Night Fight Card at the 'Arena de Colon' Roberto Duran was on the card, as was another talented Panamanian, Ernesto Marcel. Carlos Eleta was impressed by how quick and very strong Roberto was. Soon after, he purchased Roberto's contract for $300, from a 'jockey' who was Roberto's mananger/sponsor.
