Roberto Duran vs. Mickey Walker

Duran would give it a go and would likely put in a game performance, but in the end he'd be giving a way a tad too much in terms of size and strength. Montreal version Duran especally would give Walker a helluva stern test, but even would fall at the final hurdle.

Walker TKO12.

 

Any argument that postulates that an aggressive, come forward WW who stands 5'7 would beat Duran is a stretch.

That is simply not the style that has ever been shown to be a foil for him -hell he was dealing with that from larger guys when he was in his mid 40s.

When Sweet Pea and I went round and round about Whitaker and Duran, I asserted that Brains beats Brawn, but Brains don't beat Brainy Brawn. I give Walker an edge with strength. I do not with skill, defense, countering, bodywork, or chin ---Duran gets the edge everywhere else. Walker was Brawn. Duran was far more than that... and had a style that was designed to defeat come forward guys all day.

Sweet Pea and Robbi gave me some good arguments about why they believe that Whitaker would beat Duran. Manassa offered good ones on behalf of Ike Williams and Duran some time ago. I don't forget good arguments and can tell you their arguments right now. These arguments here read like casual nostalgia-buffs promoting a bias -and they're forgettable.

Rev it up. Give us analysis as to how The Toy Bulldog, with his edge in strength who struggled to make WW, is going to defeat a near-prime Montreal Duran with his edge in chin and damn near every facet and category of skill.

 

I did not say he runs through him. He may have beaten any welter of all time, with Galivan and Robinson being two of toughest to beat for him. Duran was great at lightweight, not as great as welter. If his career was from when he fought as welter only, it would still be great career.

I'll be fair, maybe Walker was greater as middleweight, so you may be right. I think we can agree it would have great to see a fight like that, regardless of who wins.

 

Oh well.

 

A couple of observations.

The fact that this bout is at 147 opens it up a bit. Walker had trouble making that weight.

Walker became a real wrecking machine at 160.

It should be noted however that while Walker was a welterweight he beat reigning light heavyweight champion Mike McTigure while himself weighing 149lbs by decision.

The New York times recognised him as light heavyweight champion!!!!!!!

 

I am very impressed with Duran's performances, as isolated as they were in the MW division against Hagler and Barkley. I think that both are unprecedented and unlikely to be repeated.

However, when it comes to smaller men rising up and challenging big men, Walker impresses me the most.

 

Love Duran but Walker & those fellas were built different IMO.. 6-8 oz gloves, poorer recovery methods, 10-15 fights per year, poorer travel conditions (outdoor arenas, train travel etc) all amplified the physical toll... yet still under these more extreme circumstances Walker (who was a stumpy WW/MW) was still beating world class LHWs & legit HW contenders .. that is super human resilience. I'd take the best Walker over the best version of Duran. Even against Schmelling he never quit & kept coming.. great fkin fight tho..