Roberto Duran believes there is just one fighter in boxing history that would have beaten a prime version of himself.
Known by his moniker ‘Hands of Stone’, Duran is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighters of all time, proving his credentials throughout the course of his 33-year professional career which spanned between 1968 and 2001.
He captured world titles across four weight classes throughout the course of his tenure, winning his first title back in 1975 when he defeted Scottish icon Ken Buchanan to capture the WBA world lightweight title.
After making a number of successful defences of his lightweight crown, Duran would make the move up to welterweight in June of 1980 where he would dethrone WBC champion Sugar Ray Leonard in what is considered to be the best win of his entire career.
He was beaten by Leonard in their rematch just a couple of months later however, after the American great forced him to quit during the eighth round of their clash in what is perhaps best known as the ‘No Mas’ fight.
Whilst ‘Hands of Stone’ is often regarded as the best lightweight of all time, the Panamanian icon once revealed in an interview with ESNEWS that he believes Sugar Ray Robinson, who competed in the same weight division, is actually the greatest fighter to ever grace the sport.
“Sugar Ray Robinson, he’s the best! Sugar Ray Robinson is the best ever!”
In the eyes of many fans and analysts around the world, Robinson is unquestionably the best fighter of all time, with his undeniable legacy setting him apart from the rest.
Throughout the course of his 25-year professional career, Robinson would become a world champion on six occasions, reigning as the world welterweight champion between 1946 and 1951 before he made the move up to middleweight where he became world champion five times within a nine year period.