The legendary Roberto Duran once revealed the best opponent that he ever shared the ring with.
Known by his moniker ‘Hands of Stone’, Duran began his professional career way back in 1968, making his debut when he was just a 16-year-old.
He would go on to win world titles in four weight classes, including the undisputed lightweight championship which he captured back in 1978 when he defeated Esteban de Jesus.
Duran later became a member of ‘The Four Kings’ alongside Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, sharing the ring with each of these legendary fighters on at least one occasion during his career.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Duran didn’t hesitate to reveal five-division world champion Leonard as the best overall fighter that he ever faced throughout the course of his storied 119 fight professional career.
“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.”
‘Hands of Stone’ handed Leonard the first defeat of his tenure when they fought for the first time back in 1980, defeating the legendary American via unanimous decision to capture the WBC welterweight title.
Leonard would get his revenge in their rematch just a few months later when he famously forced the Panamanian icon to quit in the eight round of their Las Vegas showdown to recapture the WBC world title at 147lbs, a moment in boxing history that is more commonly known as the ‘No Mas’ fight.
