Roberto Duran names surprising boxer as his toughest opponent as Sugar Ray Leonard snubbed

Roberto Duran is one of the true boxing greats of all time. With 119 professional fights, ‘El Cholo’ left a huge legacy.

Named as a Ring Magazine ‘Fighter of the Decade,’ Duran is truly one of a kind.

Perhaps best known for delivering a devastating loss to ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Duran has accomplished more than most champions ever will in the sport.

Although Leonard got his revenge on Duran, handing the Panamanian his second professional loss, the legend doesn’t consider ‘Sugar’ his toughest opponent.

Despite all the legends in his resume, it is a less-familiar name that was mentioned by Duran.

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Roberto Duran names Ken Buchanan as his toughest opponent

Although names such as Leonard and Marvin Hagler are considered some of Duran’s toughest tests, neither were mentioned by the Pananmian when the question was posed to him.

Asked by ES News Boxing who his toughest opponent was in his career, Duran said it was Ken Buchanan.

Duran’s translator said, “All fighters are tough but the toughest fight of his career was Ken Buchanan. Because he had to travel, it was 15 rounds, and it was his first world title fight.”

The former champion was then asked who the best fighter in history was, to which Duran replied, “Me!”

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Roberto Duran defeated Ken Buchanan in 1972

Duran would get his first shot at a world title against Scottish fighter Buchanan in June 1972. The two fought at Madison Square Garden in New York, as Buchanan was aiming to defend his WBA World Lightweight title.

A 21-year-old Duran went into the bout with a professional record of 28-0. As for Buchanan, he had a 43-1 record at 26 years old.

Despite being the more inexperienced fighter, Duran would defeat the champion. Winning by 13th-round TKO, Buchanan was handed just the second loss of his career.

Remarkably, Duran would fight for almost 30 years after winning his first world title. ‘El Cholo’ hung up his gloves in 2001, as one of the greatest lightweight fighters of all time.