Sugar Ray Robinson .Vs. Roberto Duran

Ray Robinson was the greatest WW champion of all time. He was the WW champion for 5 years and won the title against Tommy Bell in his 76th pro fight. Along the way he fight the likes of Sammy Angott, Fritzie Zivic, Jake LaMotta (5 times), Marty Servo and Henry Armstrong. He's almost universally accepted as the greatset fighter pound for pound to ever lace up a pair of boxing gloves. He could box, punch and move with uncanny grace and speed. In 202 fights he was only KO'd once, against LHW champ Joey Maxim...and he was out due to the heat and humidity, not from any Punch from Maxim. Duran's defining fight at WW was defeating Ray Leonard in Montreal. A significant accomplishment but what else did he do at that weight? Quit in the rematch due to poor training and Leonard's tactics. I think it's a little unrealistic to say with any certainty that Duran would win. It's possible but in my opinion unlikely. Duran would have to be at his very best mentally and physically and I still that version losing by decision in a good scrap.

 

SRR everyday all day ud

 

I love this match up I don't know about anyone else here but both of these guys are on my top 5 list of all time
Duran defence was so awkward to penetrate and Robinson at welterweight was so hard to catch due to his foot speed both would have an uncomfortable time with each other
Robinson moving trying to utilize the jab as much he can and get of quick combination with Duran stalking trying to get on the inside and bull Robinson, rough him up and wear him down.
id hope Robinson would be smart enough to make use of his excellent footwork and rapier left to reach a points win over Duran

 

He took 10 out of 10 against former Champion Carlos Palomino. He put on a boxing display that night.

 

Nothing that Duran did vs Leonard would work for him vs SRR....Robinson every day, and twice on Sunday.

 

SRR would hurt Duran...something that Leonard never did.

 

I think Sports Illustrated said that Duran urinated blood for days after that first fight, Red.

 

I don`t disagree that Robinson should be favored, especially at `47. That was his peak weight and he was close to the perfect fighter. With that said Duran at that time would have been a challenge and tough fight for anyone. He had that defense even moving forward. He was quick as a cat and Robinson would miss plenty.

 

This is a fight for 140 pounds, Robinson was a boxer who could punch and Duran was a slugger who could box. Lamotta was able to get to Sugar Ray and Duran was slicker. Decision win by Robinson though it could be close. The natural 147 lbs of Robinson the difference