Panamanian great Roberto Duran shared the ring with a number of heavy hitters throughout the course of his 119-fight professional career.
‘Hands Of Stone’ turned over to the paid ranks back in 1968, where he would establish himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport within a matter of months.
He went on to capture major world titles in four weight classes, including the undisputed world lightweight championship which he won back in 1978 when he stopped Esteban de Jesus in the 12th round of their clash in Las Vegas.
Duran would become one of the Four Kings alongside fellow legends Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns. As a naturally smaller man, Duran went 1 – 5 in the quartet, earning his lone victory over Leonard in 1980, while suffering defeats in rematches with Leonard, as well as losses to Hearns and Hagler.
In a resurfaced interview, Duran recalled his 1984 showdown with Tommy Hearns and praised to the outstanding punching power of the American great, who ‘knocked him crazy.’
“My problem was that I brawled with him and lost my head. That’s when I screwed up. My corner told me something after the first round, but I can’t remember what it was because I am still a little dizzy. Damn, I tried to get under those long arms, and he knocked me crazy with that right hand.”
‘The Hitman’ stopped Duran in the second round of their Las Vegas clash which was dubbed ‘Malice At The Palace’, making the second defence of his WBC world super-welterweight title in the process in one of the most memorable bouts of all time.
Hearns’ career spanned over three decades, during which he became the first fighter in history to win world titles in five different weight divisions. When all was said and done, he finished with a professional record of 61 wins, 48 by knockout, five losses, and one draw.
