Panamanian great Roberto Duran has no doubt who punched him the hardest during his decorated professional boxing career.
Known by his iconic moniker ‘Hands of Stone’, Duran entered the paid ranks way back in 1968 and would go on to capture world titles across four weight divisions throughout the course of his tenure.
The majority of Duran’s success came during the 1980s where he would become a member of boxing’s ‘Four Kings’, forming memorable rivalries with Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard during this golden era.
After facing so many legendary opponents during his glittering career, Duran didn’t hesitate when asked who his best ever opponent was in a feature with The Ring Magazine, naming none other than Sugar Ray Leonard.
“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 and Leonard faced each other on several occasions during their respective careers, producing one of the greatest rivalries that the sport has ever seen.
‘Hands of Stone’ got the better of Leonard in their first encounter back in June of 1980, defeating the legendary American by unanimous decision to retain his WBC world welterweight title.
Their rematch came just five months later but it was Leonard who got his revenge this time around when he sensationally forced Duran to quit in the 8th round of their bout in New Orleans to capture the WBC welterweight crown in outstanding fashion.
They met for the third and final time during the back end of 1989, just under a decade on from their memorable rematch. Leonard defeated Duran once again however, outpointing the Panamanian great in what was the second defence of his WBC super-middleweight title.
