Both Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran were considered among the very best fighters in the 1970s.
From Ali’s iconic trilogy with Joe Frazier to Duran’s incredible win over Sugar Ray Leonard, the two men are truly among the most memorable figures in boxing.
Thanks to their achievements in the ring, they both have been recipients of boxing’s finest accolades. From world titles to ‘Fighter of the Year’ awards, Ali and Duran have won it all.
They were even given a unique and prestigious award in 1980 when the pair were named among the three ‘Fighters of the Decade’.
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Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran joined alongside Carlos Monzon as ‘Fighters of the Decade’ in 1980
In 1980, Ring Magazine named three athletes the ‘Fighters of the Decade’ for the 1970s. Those three names were Ali, Duran, and Carlos Monzon.
Although Ali was a world title winner in the 1960s, the following decade would see him have some of his most iconic fights. 1970 would mark the return of Ali from his boxing ban, and ‘The Greatest’ made up for lost time.
1973 would see Ali get his revenge over Ken Norton, before also avenging his loss to Joe Frazier the following year.
Then, in 1974, Ali would face George Foreman in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. After Ali whispered in Foreman’s ear, he was able to deliver a knockout blow for one of his finest performances ever.
Other wins in the decade would include Ron Lyle, Earnie Shavers, and Leon Spinks, as well as second victories over Norton and Frazier.
As for Duran, he would make his professional debut in 1970, as the decade would see him establish himself and become a world champion.
At the end of the decade, Duran would have an incredible 69-1 record. Winning his first world title in 1972, he was champion until 1979, when he vacated his titles.
The Panamanian fighter won the WBA World Lightweight title in 1972, before adding the WBC belt six years later.
Just some of the names on the resume throughout the 70s included, Hector Thompson, Esteban De Jesus, and Carlos Palomino.
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Carlos Monzon went undefeated for a decade to earn Ring Magazine award
Although Monzon does not have as familiar a name as Ali and Duran, his achievements in the 1970s were as impressive as his fellow award-winners.
1970 would see Monzon become a world champion for the first time, picking up the WBA and WBC World Middleweight titles, in what was a ‘Fight of the Year’ match with Nino Benvenuti.
Remarkably, Monzon would retain these titles for seven years, before retiring in 1977.
The Argentine fighter went 20-0 throughout the decade, scoring 14 knockouts in the process. His remarkable run would see him retire with a professional record of 87-3-9, with his last defeat coming in 1964.