There may not be any other high-profile fighter who will go on to replicate the incredible career that Roberto Duran had.
From incredible longevity to an exciting style, ‘El Cholo’ was truly a one-of-a-kind fighter.
Best known for his rivalry with ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Duran remarkably had 119 fights to his name, across 33 years. Among his notable victories are Duran defeating Leonard, as well as having a ‘Fight of the Year’ with Iran Barkley.
In one of his most impressive bouts, Duran was able to cause an undefeated champion a night of pain in New York.
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Roberto Duran caused Davey Moore’s corner to throw in the towel in 1983
Duran’s ‘No Mas’ fight with Leonard is one of the best known bouts in boxing history. Although Leonard debunked the myth, Duran was rumoured to have said ‘No mas’ in the fight, not wanting to compete against ‘Sugar’ anymore.
Remarkably, three years after the famous fight, Duran would show true heart and relentlessness as a sizeable underdog.
In June 1983, Duran would challenge WBA Super Welterweight champion Davey Moore in Madison Square Garden. Moore was undefeated with a 12-0 record and was looking to make the fourth defense of his world title.
However, despite being an underdog, Duran would have a one-sided showing against the champion.
A knockdown in round seven of the bout would spell the beginning of the end. As Moore looked hurt and exhausted, a relentless Duran continued to pile the pressure on him. Then, in the final minute of the eighth round, Moore’s corner had seen enough.
After dishing out noticeable damage to the eye of the champion, as well as relentless pressure, Duran defeated Moore via TKO.
Roberto Duran moved to middleweight to challenge Marvin Hagler after Moore victory
Despite just winning a super welterweight title, Duran set his sights on a new belt in November 1983.
Making the move to middleweight, Duran challenged unified champion Marvin Hagler, facing him in Las Vegas. However, ‘El Cholo’ could not win back-to-back titles.
In a razor-close fight, Hagler edged a unanimous decision victory. The loss was the fifth of the Panamanian’s career.
The veteran would also lose his next fight, as Duran was knocked out by Thomas Hearns.