Roberto Duran vs Sugar Ray Robinson

I think this is absurd. SRR is the greatest Welter, and one of the greatest MWs and he loses to a LW even if he's at his absolute best?

 

I agree with this. If there's anyone having an off night, it's not Ray. If they are fighting similar schedules, Ray beats him worse each time IMO.

 

I respect your opinion but strongly disagree

 

Generally but remember Roberto Duran was an exceptional fighter in his own right. Ray wouldn't have to be that off to lose to him. One mistake really.
Robinson would have a tough target coming in slipping and countering with either hand. Most fighters that are constantly attacking are more hittable. That's really what separates Duran from a common fighter or even other champions. He was elusive on the attack.
When your talking about a series of fights it often comes down to adjustments and that is where I think Robinson has more options. If Ray lost the first one he may come into the rematch using his jab more being more economical. Duran would have to stay aggressive and hope Robinson doesn't land that hook on the sweet spot. They were very smart boxers. You don't last 20 years in the ring if you don't have it between the ears.

 

Duran is a better Boxer than Jake Lamotta. And Jake beat him once. He also fought him very well in their other fights.

 

At their respective bests at 147, Robinson W15 Duran.

In a series I think Duran can win at least once.

 

Robinson wasn't even welterweight champ at that point and was 21yrs old and still filling out. On top of that Lamotta weighed in over 160 and Robinson comfortably under 147. They only had one fight where their weights were within 5 pounds of each other (SRR stoppage). This has little bearing on how Ray and Duran would go at 147.

 

I think some of you don't realize how good Duran was. Watch him beat Hiroshi Kobayashi. Bob Sheridan, the announcer, was already declaring Duran's future greatness.


Hiroshi Kobayash

Hiroshi Kobayashi

 

Duran dominated a lot of good but not great fighters.

We're talking prime 147 Robinson at his best weight v. a Duran who would have physical disadvantages. Robinson is also too smart to get in the trenches with Duran, unlike Leonard in Montreal

 

I think Duran would give ray more trouble than lamotta, that said Robinson wins most these fights, maybe even a few by knock out.

 

Jake only won 1.

 

LaMotta probably won the 3rd fight but Robinson got the decision.

 

LaMotta gave Ray all he could handle every fight. He had some advantages and he knew how to use them.

 

I don't think SRR would knock Duran out. Not only was he a great defensive fighter he also had a terrific chin. The Hearn's fight is the exception, he took Cuevas's shots and walked right through them, he took Barkley's shots and Hagler couldn't knock him out.