I just watched the No Mas fight for the first time, and having heard about Duran quitting I always thought he'd just gotten systematically pummeled over several rounds to the point where his health was in danger, so I was really flabergasted by this. Why did he quit? Here's what it says on wikipedia: This content is protected I don't understand, what was he embarrassed about?
From what I have gleaned, a few hours before the fight Duran gorged himself on a meal of steak, potatoes and lobster. During the fight he started to get indigestion and that is why he quit.
Duran quit because he wasn't in a good enough condition to beat a man of Leonard's calibre on that particular night. A decision that will always haunt him, especially when he'd already proven to be the man's superior.
Only Duran knows. My best guess is SRL was taking over. He was at his showboating best, and landed a hard uppercut just before Duran quit. Better quit then be KO'd by a man who mocks you could be the truth for Duran.
He sort of let the cat out of the bag in his biography. He made the usual stomach cramps excuse, & then added that he assumed he'd get a rubber match so he could get himself in great shape & get revenge. He clearly wasn't in the same shape as the first fight & probably in no condition really for a prizefight. I think he realized he wasn't going to win, then Leonards taunting irritated him & his latin temperament got the better of him & he though f*ck it, I'll get him next time.
Leonard's camp was very smart in getting the rematch so soon. They suspected he would be on a three month bender and they were correct. Boozin', screwin' and allegrdly partaking in Mr. Noreiga's cash crop. What a life...
Leonard was taking over and humiliating Duran more and more and Ray was starting to land body punches and head punches and Duran knew he would be knocked out. that would have hurt his legacy more than quitting.
Yeah Leonard even admits that was why he wanted an immediate re-match. If I remember correctly, Durans manager wasn't so keen on a re-match so soon for that very reason, because he new Duran wouldn't be ready. But then King waves 5million big ones under his nose & the rest is history.
So many years have gone bye, an so much time has passed the only man on this earth that knows why he quit that night was Duran himself and he will probably take his secret to the grave. Too many things have been thrown out there, stomach cramps, Leonard was making him look bad, despite the fact that the fight was close, when Duran said no mas, Vegas Mafia threatened his life, he assumed in a year he would get a rematch and ko Leonard, Bottom lin is Duran screwed himself ... Leonard made him wait 9 more years, by that time.he was too old..
I don't think Leonard would of KO'd him. Let's see the FACTS: Leonard never dropped Duran and was never even close to stop him in 35 total rounds they fought. Hell, Hagler was harder hitter than Leonard but still couldn't drop past-prime Duran in 15 rds.