Showcasing amazing longevity, Roberto Duran was a true one-of-a-kind fighter in his career as a multi-division champion.
From Duran providing a haunting loss to Sugar Ray Leonard, to going on a 40-fight winning streak, even the best fighters struggled against ‘El Cholo’.
The Panamanian fighter would retire with 119 fights, earning 103 victories across his career.
In a 1983 outing, Duran once again proved himself to be a worthy title contender thanks to an impressive stoppage win.
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Roberto Duran stopped Pipino Cuevas in 1983 in Los Angeles
Duran’s shock loss to Kirkland Laing was followed by a victory over Jimmy Batten to return to the winning column. However, Duran still had to further prove himself to get back into title contention.
To earn another world title opportunity, Duran would have to get past Pipino Cuevas in January 1983, who had lost to Thomas Hearns just over two years prior.
The pair would headline a bout in Los Angeles as Duran was looking to improve his then 75-4 record. In an impressive performance, Duran would show he was still a worthy title contender.
A 31-year-old Duran would be able to fend off brave attempts from the Mexican Cuevas, as he began to break down his opponent in round four.
A strong right hand from Duran would sting Cuevas, which was the beginning of the end as the Mexican eventually would be given a count.
Following the restart, Duran would be aggressive in his approach, catching Cuevas on numerous occasions. Eventually, Cuevas would crumble down for the second knockdown of the round, as the fight was then called off.
Roberto Duran would earn world title fight with Davey Moore
Duran’s win against Cuevas would see him paired up with WBA World Super Welterweight champion Davey Moore (12-0). The pair would compete in Madison Square Garden as Duran aimed to add another world title to his collection.
Despite being perfect in his career to that point, the American would be dominated by the Panamanian, as Duran stopped Moore.
The eighth round would be the final of the bout, as Duran was able to become a super welterweight world champion for the first time.