The legendary Roberto Duran once named one of his greatest ever rivals as the best fighter he faced during his five decade professional career.
Known as ‘Hands of Stone’, Duran entered the paid ranks way back in 1968 and would go on to fight on an impressive 119 occasions up until his retirement from boxing in 2001.
The Panamanian great became a world champion in four weight classes during his tenure, including a reign as the undisputed lightweight champion which he captured with a legacy-defining victory over Esteban de Jesus in January of 1978.
Perhaps the bulk of his outstanding success came during the 1980s when he would cross paths with the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who would go on to be recognised as ‘The Four Kings’.
In an interview with The Ring Magazine, Duran reflected on his memorable professional career and makes no mistake in naming Leonard as the greatest fighter he faced during his 119-fight tenure.
“I have to say Sugar Ray Leonard because look at what he did in his career after he lost to me. It takes a lot to come back from defeat and Leonard did it.”
Duran became the first man to defeat Leonard when they locked horns for the WBC world welterweight championship at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal back in June 1980.
American great Leonard got his revenge just a few months later however, forcing Duran to quit in the 8th round of the legendary ‘No Mas’ fight at the Superdome in New Orleans.
Their third and final showdown came nine years on from their rematch when Leonard outpointed ‘Hands of Stone’ over 12-rounds to successfully defend his WBC super-middleweight title and close the book on their legendary rivalry.
