Duran was not always in the best condition as he partied non-stop in Panama. He would have to take off as much as 40 pounds for a fight. I'm not taking anything from Hearns, but during Duran's storied career, which included many dramatic victories against the world's best, his fight against Hagler displayed his skills. Nobody thought Hagler would have any problems, but Duran went 15 hard rounds with him and lost a close decision. With Leonard and Benitez, and with Ali always overshadowing the sport, those were the glory days of boxing for the baby-boomer generation.
Yes, that 15-rounder with Hagler was more the Duran we knew. That "No mas" give-up against Sugar Ray was something he never overcame. Duran fought Hagler in 1983 and Hearns in 1984. Roberto Duran is an out-of-shape 72, about your age commenter...
You should post Tommy's knockout of Pipino Cuevas. That one was powerful too. Hearns owned these guys.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Pipino knockout. It was just as dramatic and shocking as the beating Duran took from Hearns, the Motor City Cobra...
ReplyDeleteDuran was not always in the best condition as he partied non-stop in Panama. He would have to take off as much as 40 pounds for a fight. I'm not taking anything from Hearns, but during Duran's storied career, which included many dramatic victories against the world's best, his fight against Hagler displayed his skills. Nobody thought Hagler would have any problems, but Duran went 15 hard rounds with him and lost a close decision. With Leonard and Benitez, and with Ali always overshadowing the sport, those were the glory days of boxing for the baby-boomer generation.
ReplyDeleteYes, that 15-rounder with Hagler was more the Duran we knew. That "No mas" give-up against Sugar Ray was something he never overcame. Duran fought Hagler in 1983 and Hearns in 1984. Roberto Duran is an out-of-shape 72, about your age commenter...
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