Roberto Duran vs Pernell Whitaker and Manny Pacquiao

Yes

 

Duran is a favorite over both, but Whitaker has a much better chance between the two.

Pac has terrible odds against a prime Duran if we're being honest. Duran would systematically destroy Pac.

 

In my opinion Whitaker would have been favored over Duran. Styles makes fights, Duran struggled and lost against a fighter with great defensive skill and accuracy like Benitez. It's true that we were in the super welterweight division, not the best category for Manos de Piedra, but it's also true that Whitaker is another great champion, an elusive boxer among the best defensive fighters of all time, with great Ring IQ and accuracy. I'd say Sweet Pea on points here, from lightweight to super welterweight. Instead, I'd see Duran favored over Pacquiao, but it would certainly have been an interesting matchup, and the Filipino's speed and stamina would have made Manos de Piedra suffer.

 

I am starting to come around more to a belief that Pete could upset Roberto.

His jab is busy, accurate and intelligently used and despite crossing his feet momentarily, his footwork and understanding of where he is in the ring is elite. His unconventional moves and underrated prowess on the inside mean that Roberto would have to work hard to dominate and I don't see Duran being capable of KOing him.

I think at least 4 out of 10 times, Pete plays the perfect matador to Duran's sophisticated bull.

I don't see Pac as having anything for Roberto other than speed. I don't like his defence and whilst explosive and sometimes giving explosive angles and overwhelming combinations, he leaves his chin open and if Marquez can tag him consistently in all their fights, I can certainly see Roberto landing some nasty counters. Plus, I don't think Pac would do well being driven backwards.

 

I like this Duran fella as much as the next guy, but you lot are crazy thinking he has a chance against Pacquiao and Sweet Pea, especially when he's fighting them at the same time.

 

Duran is probably my fav fighter of all time.

But I think Whitaker beats him. Whitaker, at 135, did stand in the pocket at times, but he could move exceptionally well when needed. He had an excellent jab, was ultra-elusive, could fight on the inside, was an underrated body puncher, and tougher than given credit for. That said, Duran’s pressure, feints and ability to set traps, means that he tests Whitaker to the limit.

Just as Duran is underrated out the outside with his boxing ability, Whitaker is equally underrated as on the inside with his body punching.

Duran beats Pacquiao, at 140. But I think Pacquiao gives Duran an even tougher fight than Pryor would.

 

The version of Duran that beat Leonard in the first fight beats any version of these 2, I think, too tenacious, wily, and concrete in the jaw and gloves. Pea makes it interesting and definitely picks up some rounds, but there are very few at 147 I'd pick to beat that Version of Duran, and neither are Whitaker or Pacquiao.