Roberto Duran '1969'

Under the direction of Carlos Eleta

Roberto Duran steps up in class, and moves from fighting 'amateurs-off-the-street'
or first time professionals in 1968, to 'B' level 122 lb. fighters in 1969.

Fighting at the 'Gimnasio Neco de la Guardia' in Panama City

Roberto, fighting at 124 lbs. wins all '6' bouts (5 Knockouts), and improved to 15-0-0 (13 KO's).

* TKO 4.......Albert Brand 8-4-0 (2 KO's)
* W Dec 6....Eduardo Frutos 10-16-1 (4 KO's)
* TKO 4.......Jacinto Garcia 8-1-0 (1 KO)
* June 19, 1969 - Roberto Durans turns the age of 18 *
* TKO 7.......Adolfo Osses 14-20-3 (6 KO's)
* TKO 5.......Serafin Garcia 13-32-10 (3 KO's)
* TKO 8.......Luis Patino 23-11-3 (9 KO's)

a) Albert Brand, had not fought in 1 1/2 years. Retired after the bout with Roberto Duran. Then
came back '3' years later, only to be stopped by Rodolfo Francis, then retired again.
Finished career at 8-6-0.

b) Eduardo Frutos had not fought in 2 1/2 years. Had previously fought Alfonso Frazer (2x) in 1965 and 1966.
And had lost '6' straight before fighting Roberto. Then lost his next '5' bouts.
He finished his career with a record of 10-21-1.

c) Jacinto Garcia was a 'one-time' Featherweight-prospect.
Finished his career at 9-3-1.

d) Adolfo Osses, a Panamanian Bantamweight. His career, was that of a 'record-padder'.
Moved to Spain in 1974, and became a 'European record-padder'. Did score a big upset in Ireland
in October 1977, by stopping (TKO 5) Charlie Nash.
Finished career at 25-53-9.

e) Serafin Garcia, had fought only 'once' in '3' years. Another record-padder'. Retired after fighting Roberto Duran.
Finished career at 13-33-10.

f) Luis Patino. A 28 year-old 'experienced veteran', was clearly Roberto Duran's toughest opponent up to that time.
Was previously the Panamanian Bantamweight Champion (1963), and was currently the #5 Panamanian Featherweight.
Had defeated Alfonso Frazer (TKO 8 in 1966) and Diego Alcala (W Dec 10 in 1966).
In Roberto's first scheduled '10-Rounder', Luis hung with Roberto, until being stopped {TKO'd in 8}.
Retired after his next bout, with a record of 23-13-3.

g) Later, it was stated, that Luis Patino was the 'first boxer' that Roberto ever fought as a professional,
that could actually fight back. Luis won '2' rounds, before getting stopped.

 

The Amazing Saensak, but he did have quite a bit of Muay Thai experience, don't you think.

And he was 25 years-old (one month short of age 25).

As for Roberto, he was being 'groomed' for success.

 

Mr. Bollox,,,,,,

The most amazing thing about Saensak,,,,,,

He only had '2' bouts and '8' rounds of 'professional time', when walking into the ring
for a World Championship bout.

Ring time, about '1' minute with Rudy Barro, and about '19' with Lion Furuyama.

Absolutely 'Crazy Amazing'

 

1969,

It was a regular schedule for Roberto to fight at the 'Gimnasio Neco de la Gurdia'
Sunday Afternoon Fight Cards.

Roberto was being built up, to challenge 'super popular' Miguel 'The Rocket' Riasco for the Panamanian
Featherweight Championship. Miguel was the older brother of 'future' WBC Super Bantamweight
Championion, Rigoberto Riasco.

Riasco, a 22 year-old 126-pounder, was an excellent boxer and hard-puncher with a 19-2-2 (13 KO's)
record, and by the November 1969 was ranked as the #7 WBA Featherweight.

Miguel Riasco had victories over Ernesto Marcel (July 1967) and future WBC Featherweight Champion
Clemente Sanchez (September 1969).

1969 Panamanian Featherweight Rankings
**... Miguel Riasco
#1... Ernesto Marcel
#2... Roberto Duran
#3... Julio Davis
#4... Julio Ruiz
#5... Luis Patino