Roberto Duran demonstrated incredible longevity throughout his remarkable career, which saw him become a four-division champion.
The former ‘Fighter of the Century’ Duran became a world champion for the first time in 1972 when he defeated Ken Buchanan. The victory meant ‘El Cholo’ claimed the WBA World Lightweight title, in what was Duran’s toughest fight.
The Panamanian fighter would go on to claim world titles at welterweight and super welterweight, beating ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard and Davey Moore to win the respective belts.
In 1989, Duran would take on a middleweight title holder to become a four-division champion.
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Roberto Duran challenged Iran Barkley in 1989 in New Jersey
Riding a five-fight win streak in 1989, Duran challenged WBC World Middleweight champion Iran Barkley in February. The two would meet in New Jersey in what would be Barkley’s first title defense after defeating Thomas Hearns.
Barkley’s record on fight night was 25-4, while Duran had 84 wins and seven losses.
In what was named The Ring Magazine’s ‘Fight of the Year’ in 1989, the two had an epic brawl. Both men had success over the course of 12 rounds, with each fighter landing damaging blows on one another.
The only knockdown of the bout would come in round 11, as Duran was able to floor the champion. However, Barkley recovered to see out the bout.
When the fight went to the judges’ scorecards, it would end in a split decision. However, it would be the underdog Duran who won the bout via split decision.
The win would make Duran a four-division champion, as Barkley dropped his first world title.
Barkley would go on to challenge Michael Nunn for the IBF World Middleweight title, but would fall short via majority decision. Then, Barkley and Nigel Benn had a one-round war, however, Barkley would not claim the WBO World Middleweight title from ‘The Dark Destroyer’.
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Roberto Duran would have his trilogy fight with Sugar Ray Leonard after Barkley victory
As Duran once again became champion against Barkley, he would meet Leonard for a third time in 1989.
Duran handed ‘Sugar’ a devastating loss in 1980, before Leonard got his revenge later the same year. With the two tied one apiece for victories, they had their rubber match nine years later.
Competing for Leonard’s WBC World Super Middleweight title, the champion would have a convincing victory. Winning with rounds to spare on the judges’ scorecards, Leonard defended his world title as Duran could not become a five-division champion.
Leonard would have two more bouts following his Duran victory, losing both fights. As for Duran, he would have 26 more fights, but would not claim another world title.