Roberto Duran’s epic rivalry with ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard is one of the most memorable in the sport of boxing.
As two of the ‘Four Kings,’ Duran and Leonard shared the ring a total of three times. Duran handed Leonard a devastating loss in 1980, before the infamous ‘No Mas’ fight later that year.
Their third meeting wouldn’t come until 1989, when Leonard was able to win the series with another victory. Although it has been over 35 years since their last meeting, their rivalry is still talked about amongst boxing fans today.
However, on his way to setting up the rivalry, Duran went on an incredible winning streak.
- READ MORE: Joe Frazier bizarrely compared Roberto Duran to infamous American criminal before legendary win
Roberto Duran went on winning streak from 1973-1980
After suffering his first professional loss in 1972, Duran bounced back by starting an incredible winning streak.
As his loss came in a non-title bout, Duran was still a champion going into his next fight. Retaining the WBA World Lightweight title versus Jimmy Robertson, it was the beginning of a lengthy run.
Duran would keep his WBA title until 1979, before eventually moving to the welterweight division. In this time, he made 12 title defences, as well as picking up the WBC title.
In a span of seven years, Duran won 40 fights. Among these victories, 29 came by way of stoppage.
‘El Cholo’ did not pick up another world title in this run. However, in his 41st victory in a row, he would dethrone welterweight champion Leonard.
The winning streak would come to an end in their rematch, as ‘Sugar’ got his revenge on Duran.
- READ MORE: Roberto Duran won ‘Fight of the Year’ to claim world title and set up Sugar Ray Leonard trilogy
Roberto Duran got revenge on the first man who defeated him
Duran’s win streak that started in 1973 could have been longer if not for Esteban De Jesus. Meeting in 1972, Duran would be knocked down and defeated by the Puerto Rican, ending his then 31-fight win streak.
De Jesus won the bout in New York via unanimous decision, which increased his professional record to 31-1.
Although the two did not have an immediate rematch, they would meet less than two years later. This time fighting in Panama City, Duran would get his revenge emphatically.
Scoring an 11th-round knockout, Duran was able to right the sole blemish on his career amid his winning streak.
However, following his loss to Leonard, Duran lost to Kirkland Laing and Wilfred Benitez, the youngest ever world champion, in defeats he could not avenge.