Panamanian boxing icon Roberto Duran has revealed the greatest fighter that he ever shared the ring with.
Known more commonly as ‘Hands of Stone’, Duran made his professional debut back in 1968 where he would embark on a career that would stretch across no less than five decades before his retirement in 2001.
He would become a world champion in four weight classes along the way, including the undisputed lightweight championship which he captured in 1978 when he stopped Esteban de Jesus in the 12th round of their Las Vegas showdown.
Duran would later see himself become a member of ‘The Four Kings’ alongside former rivals ‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard, a legendary quarter that would dominate the sport during a golden era.
In a feature with The Ring Magazine, Duran revealed former rival Leonard as the best fighter that he ever shared a ring with, having faced the legendary American on three occasions throughout the course of his 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.”
They faced off for the first time back in 1980 as Duran dethroned Leonard to capture the WBC world welterweight title in what is considered to be one of the greatest wins of the Panamanian’s tenure.
Their much anticipated rematch took place a few months later as Leonard sensationally forced Duran to quit in the eighth round of the infamous ‘No Mas’ fight to regain his WBC crown in New Orleans.
Their third and final encounter took place at the end of 1989, nine years on from their historic first fight. Leonard was declared the winner yet again, defeating Duran via unanimous decision to successfully defend his WBC super-middleweight title and put an end to their memorable rivalry.
