Was Roberto Duran Elite?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Seamus, Dec 21, 2018.


Was Roberto Duran Elite?

  1. Yes, he was Elite

    55 vote(s)
    85.9%

  2. No, he was not Elite

    9 vote(s)
    14.1%
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  1. Berlenbach

    Berlenbach Boxing Addict Full Member

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    So... what were Hearns, Benitez and Leonard doing 15 years and 75 fights into their careers?
     
    Berlenbach, Dec 21, 2018
    Berlenbach, Dec 21, 2018
    #31
    The Morlocks likes this.
  2. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Seamus, you have devolved into somewhat of a troll.

    You don't seem to be able to see the forest for the trees, or at least pretend not to. I hope it is the latter.

    Sure, Benitez had trouble with Bruce Curry in their first encounter. Apparently overconfident, he walked into a huge punch and took quite awhile to recover.

    He was lucky that fight wasn't stopped.

    In the rematch, he fought smarter and won a comprehensive decision.

    And based on the totality of his career work, he is judged as a great fighter.

    He was elite.

    So was Duran.

    Roberto did have trouble with movers at the higher weights

    At 135 lb he easily handled a slew of challengers with varied styles.

    He wasn't as dominant above 135 lbs, but the win over Leonard at 147 was massively impressive whether he forced Ray to fight his fight or Ray chose to - it was likely a combination of both, and even when considered done, he managed to win portions of the 154 and 160 lb titles. And he gave Hagler perhaps his toughest. defense.

    Yes, Roberto Duran was Elite.
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2018
    Saad54, Dec 21, 2018
    Saad54, Dec 21, 2018
    #32
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  3. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Ray Leonard wasn't considered an elite fighter in June 1980?
     
    Saad54, Dec 21, 2018
    Saad54, Dec 21, 2018
    #33
  4. PhillyPhan69

    PhillyPhan69 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Nah, man! He was green lol
     
    PhillyPhan69, Dec 21, 2018
    PhillyPhan69, Dec 21, 2018
    #34
    The Morlocks likes this.
  5. Berlenbach

    Berlenbach Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yup, 27-0, 24 years old, world champion. Green as grass.
     
    Berlenbach, Dec 21, 2018
    Berlenbach, Dec 21, 2018
    #35
    The Morlocks likes this.
  6. Man_Machine

    Man_Machine Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Indeed - but he'd become a 'learned elite' at 27-1 (which led him to victory in the Duran rematch).
     
    Man_Machine, Dec 21, 2018
    Man_Machine, Dec 21, 2018
    #36
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  7. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I will say that Duran's edge in experience helped, especially in the art of psychological warfare. But, Leonard was hardly "green", having beaten Benitez, the previous November.
     
    Saad54, Dec 21, 2018
    Saad54, Dec 21, 2018
    #37
    PhillyPhan69 likes this.
  8. PhillyPhan69

    PhillyPhan69 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    JK....it was just a statement given earlier in this thread I believe....to lazy to go back and look
     
    PhillyPhan69, Dec 21, 2018
    PhillyPhan69, Dec 21, 2018
    #38
  9. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    I agree with all this. That was rather my point in bringing up the Curry fight against Benitez. You can find weak points in any fighter's career and bring them up out of context to fit any chosen narrative. Much like judging Duran solely on his performances after turning 30 and 35+ pounds above his debut weight.
     
    Seamus, Dec 21, 2018
    Seamus, Dec 21, 2018
    #39
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  10. JackSilver

    JackSilver Boxing Addict Full Member

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    An elite lightweight and a very good fighter in most of the other weight divisions that he fought in. Lightweight would be the only weight division that he fought in that he would be undoubtedly be considered an all time great of the division.
     
    JackSilver, Dec 21, 2018
    JackSilver, Dec 21, 2018
    #40
    mcvey likes this.
  11. redrooster

    redrooster Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    good point
     
    redrooster, Dec 21, 2018
    redrooster, Dec 21, 2018
    #41
    The Morlocks likes this.
  12. Hannibal Barca

    Hannibal Barca Active Member Full Member

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    Lotta haters in Classics these days. Only 71%???
     
    Hannibal Barca, Dec 21, 2018
    Hannibal Barca, Dec 21, 2018
    #42
    The Morlocks likes this.
  13. JC40

    JC40 Boxing fan since 1972 banned Full Member

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    This thread is like smacking a child with a bottle of “ no more tears “ shampoo, Seamus ;)
     
    JC40, Dec 21, 2018
    JC40, Dec 21, 2018
    #43
  14. The Morlocks

    The Morlocks Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Lololololololol!!!!!

    Yes!!!!!! Sing it.
     
    The Morlocks, Dec 21, 2018
    The Morlocks, Dec 21, 2018
    #44
    robert ungurean and Seamus like this.
  15. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    In next week's program we'll be asking the question "Sugar Ray Robinson - but really, was he actually a great fighter?". Hope you'll join us then ...

    Seriously, anyone who voted "No, he was not Elite" needs his head examining.
     
    Jel, Dec 21, 2018
    Jel, Dec 21, 2018
    #45
    Hannibal Barca, mcvey, The Morlocks and 2 others like this.
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