Opinion: Why I believe Duran is the roughest fighter of all time
When it comes to discussing the greatest boxers of all time, there’s no doubt in my mind that Roberto Duran deserves a spot on the list. Duran’s career spanned over an impressive five decades, during which he showcased his unparalleled skill and endurance in the ring. One of the most significant indicators of his talent is the way that even other boxing legends, such as Mike Tyson, have looked up to him and spoken about his abilities. Tyson has openly expressed his admiration for Duran, citing him as one of his biggest inspirations and describing him as “the greatest lightweight of all time.”
Duran was not only a phenomenal fighter but also a pioneer in the sport, particularly with his aggressive “hands up” fighting style and his ability to fight successfully in multiple weight classes. He also had an impressive record of 103 wins, with an incredible 70 of those wins coming from knockouts. But perhaps what makes Duran stand out the most is his unrelenting drive to succeed and his ability to keep fighting through even the toughest of opponents.
Duran’s remarkable career, coupled with his influence on the sport, makes him a deserving candidate for the title of one of the best boxers of all time.
Here are some of the techniques that Roberto Duran was famous for:
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Inside Fighting: Duran was known for his ability to fight effectively on the inside, in close range. He would use his head movement and footwork to get close to his opponent, and then unleash a barrage of hooks and uppercuts.
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Counterpunching: Duran was a master at counterpunching. He would often slip an opponent’s punch and then come back with a devastating hook or uppercut.
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Body Punching: Duran was also known for his ability to attack the body. He would target his opponent’s ribs and liver with hooks and uppercuts, wearing them down over the course of the fight.
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Defense: Although Duran was primarily known for his aggressive style, he also had excellent defense. He would use head movement and footwork to slip punches, and was able to avoid taking a lot of damage in his fights.
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Feints: Duran was a master at using feints to set up his offense. He would use subtle movements to deceive his opponent and create openings for his punches.
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Slipping: Duran had exceptional slipping ability. He would use head movement to slip punches and create openings for his own offense.
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Infighting: Duran was a skilled infighter, and was able to fight effectively at close range. He would use his footwork and head movement to get inside, and then unleash a barrage of punches on his opponent.
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Mexican Style: Duran is often associated with the “Mexican Style” of boxing, which is characterized by aggressive, forward-moving pressure fighting. This style emphasizes punching power and the ability to take a punch, and is often associated with Mexican and Mexican-American fighters.
Fun Fact!
Roberto Duran once fought a match against a bull. In 1972, Duran entered the bullfighting ring in Spain and fought a young bull. Despite wearing a red cape and not having any weapons, Duran used his quick reflexes and footwork to avoid the bull’s horns and ultimately subdued the animal. The event was attended by over 10,000 people and received widespread media coverage, with Duran being praised for his bravery and skill in the ring. While the stunt was controversial and received criticism from animal rights activists, it cemented Duran’s reputation as a fearless and daring athlete both inside and outside of the boxing ring.
