Duran was nowhere near the pressure fighter Armstrong was. Duran was a stalker rather than the dynamo that Armstrong was. But no one can compare that THAT Armstrong , not even someone as great as prime Duran. Ross might well be able to win this but it would be hard work. I think a close fight either way. It would be best at 140.
Duran at his best at lightweight was practically unbeatable. One punch KO power in either fist, very durable, limitless stamina, very quick. Don't bet against lightweight Duran.
Here is something unrelated to boxing but did you guys know that Jack Ruby who shot Lee Harvey Oswald in the Dallas Jail, 2 days after Oswald shot President Kennedy, Jack Ruby was good friends with Barney Ross in Chicago when they were young.
I'm thinking a close decision either way as well. I'd maybe narrowly favour Duran but Ross is as tough as teak and a handful for anyone.
Great point about 140lbs. Because I would pick Duran at Lightweight, and Ross at Welter. At 140 I really don't know.
I am also thinking that Duran would not put pressure on Ross the same way Armstrong did . Saying that as much as I love barney's jab and admire his toughness I would take Duran by decision in top class bout
I think it's pretty obvious to everyone that this is a distance fight over 15 rounds. I also see some brilliant work on both sides. But I would go with Duran either at lightweight or welter.
I think Duran would be too intense and physical for the clever but light hitting Ross,maybe similar to the Buchanan fight ,but Kenny had more pop on his punches than Ross.
Well, he couldn't keep Armstrong of him. However, Duran - as great as he was - was no Armstrong when it comes to relentless forward moving and pressure - no one was. So, maybe that gives Ross just enough room to breath that much little extra, establish his great jab and get those feet going and that might make Ross not just game but keep him in with a chance of winning. I can see a fight where Duran imposes himself for stretches, making Ross fight his fight and of course he is gonna beat him in those times. But there will be other times when Ross manages to make it his fight and boxes Duran, keeps him off-balance and scores with the jab and right again and again. I think Duran would be the bigger man here and he would land the harder, more meaningful punches. That would decide the fight in his favour in the end. But Ross is in it till the end and will make him work for it more than anyone else Duran fought at 135.
Ross was a great boxer and could outskill Duran,but ,as stated I have my doubts he could deal with his physicality.
