Roberto Duran (circa 1975) vs Julio Cesar Chavez (circa 1992) - who wins and why?

Chavez was absolutely not the best P4P up until the mid 90's. He had begun to fall off by the time he fought and lost handily to Whitaker. His prime was in the late 80's, particularly against Rosario. That version vs a prime Duran(3rd Dejesus fight) would've been a barn-burner, but Duran holds the edges where the fight counts, on the inside mainly, and is more versatile in other areas. Duran by Decision.

 

Chavez was arguably still the pound-for-pound best until he fought Whitaker in '93. But p4p best is a meaningless title, it cannot be tested against guys who aren't your size, but it's supposed to claim some superiority over them. Silly really when you think about it.

Anyway, I think Duran-Chavez at lightweight or 140 would be a ferocious and entertaining encounter. Both guys looked damn near unbeatable in their primes, I hesistate to pick a winner but I'd say Duran out of sheer favouritism (although Chavez is a favourite of mine too, albeit less of one in comparison to Duran).

 

I'm in your boat - i think Chavez is a LOT more competitive than many give him credit for here. I would make Duran about a 7-5 fave based on his superb understated skills. Around the time of the Rosario fight Chavez really had it happening. One of the toughest most durable fighters ever to lace a glove, and one of the most gruelling opponents in history. Given the will, skill, durability and toughness of both i could see an absolute epic over 15 rounds. They'd probably be as smashed as both Frazier and Ali after their initial encounter.

 

Duran by easy UD. It would be a war, but Duran would ultimately be too well-rounded for Chavez to deal with.

 

Chavez used extremely educated Pressure, unhurried, he was like the tide coming in unstoppable, Duran on the other Hand was like a Flash Flood, so sudden torrents likely to wipe anything from its path, of the two Chavez brings Contant excellance, but that Constant Excellance brings with it something else ! - a level predictability, which Duran would Exploit, Duran on the other Hand does not Offer Chavez that Same predictable Contant, Duran will stand off, and Flick Jabs, other Times he will Slip inside and Rake Chavez from body to Head, together with his Space Perception and Close range defensive skills, i think his Adrenilin Fuelled and instant alternation between Cold Heart Professionalism, and Hot Head Savegary would Ultimately disrupt the Constant Steadyness that Chavez Employs

If Chavez Backs off like he did against the Tough Rameriez he will find Duran is not a streight line plodder, If he Tries to Swamp him Like he Did Rosario Duran will not take Evasive Action...he will take Invasive Action...

A very tough exciting fight, going the full route i am sure, But when Chavez looks deep into those Cole black Demonic Eyes of Duran, he will see a window to the Sole perhaps ...or a window to a dark dismal fistic purgatory to be unleashed...

Duran for me on points

 

duran would win better athlete, just better fighter, chavez was the man, but hed never beat barkley the way duran did, nor leanord

 

Duran by decision or late round stoppage.

 

Agree. I can't picture Chavez being easily beaten if at all in this match-up. Just for the sake of comparison, I believe that the Chavez who fought Rosario would destroy the 1974 version of Esteban DeJesus as easily or easier than Duran did. Duran wouldn't stop Chavez....out-box him, yes, maybe....but he'd have to suffer in order to do it. Duran would have an edge in defensive skill, but Chavez was as tough and heavy-handed as they come, and if Duran tried to employ a pressure strategy in an effort to wear Chavez down like he did against DeJesus in the rematch(the Duran of the 1978 rubbermatch could be a different story), he might find himself fighting just to make it to the final bell in the late rounds....and the explosiveness and power that served Duran so well in the late rounds so many times wouldn't likely help him here. I'm not going to make a pick here because it's a toss-up IMO, but if I could pick any "mythical match-up" to actually happen, this would probably be it.

 

I can't stop laughing.

 

Duran stops him late. Duran is faster, better skilled, and more powerful than Chavez.

 

:huh

 

Duran did not peak until 79; Chavez peaked in 87 IMO. A 75 Duran would have too much speed and intensity for 92 Chavez.

Duran WU15 (10-5)

 

Fair post. I lean toward Duran but no way is this an easy fight, tat's just getting carried away.