12 Legends of Christmas: Roberto Duran

A Panamanian pugilist who built his reputation across decades

Name: Roberto Duran

Nickname: El Cholo/Manos de Piedra

Date of First Fight: 18th October 1970

Date of Retirement: 14th July 2001

Titles: World titles at lightweight, welterweight, super-welterweight and middleweight

Biography:

Roberto Duran Samaniego was born on 16th June 1951 in El Chorrillo, Panama. Duran first laced up the gloves at an early age and was sparring experienced opponents from eight years old. Life was difficult and he had to fight his way out of a tough neighbourhood.

Finishing early with an amateur career that barely touched 30 contests, Duran turned professional in 1968 at age 16. Fighting was in his nature and Duran recorded some impressive knockouts in Panama City. As the level of opposition rose, KO wins over the likes of Ernesto Marcel and Japanese veteran Hiroshi Kobayashi earned him a shot at WBA lightweight champion Ken Buchanan in 1972.

Duran mauled and brawled the Scotsman to a round 13 defeat and claimed his first world crown. Despite losing in a non-title bout to Esteban De Jesus, three fights later, Duran went on a long run of defences that included two revenge knockout wins over De Jesus.

Duran fought Sugar Ray Leonard three times in total. The first two meetings came in 1980 at welterweight. Duran handed Leonard his first career loss in their first fight before Leonard won the rematch when Duran bailed out in round eight. Leonard dominated their third meeting in 1989 when the pair were at super-middleweight and getting older.

Other notable names on the Duran resume include Edwin Viruet, Carlos Palomino, Davey Moore and Iran Barkley. ‘The Blade’ was a big, strong middleweight, and Duran rolled back the clock to deliver his last great performance and claim victory over Barkley.

Duran also mixed with Marvin Hagler (lost on points) and Thomas Hearns (stopped brutally in two rounds). By this point, he was still competing with the best but way beyond his natural weight class. As his career ended, he was still smart enough to survive against the likes of Hector Camacho and Vinny Pazienza twice.

Duran’s remarkable run as a professional boxer lasted 33 years in total, across 119 contests. Winning world titles at four different weight classes, the Panamanian also claimed undisputed and lineal statuses along the way. Overall, he won 103 bouts and knocked out 70 opponents.

Duran’s career spanned five decades, and he retired many times, although his final retirement came at the age of 50. Some observers consider Duran to be the greatest lightweight of all time.

Duran was a versatile boxer who was able to pull several tricks in the ring. He could step off and box when required but mostly his hard-punching pressure and inside fighting made him a top-level fighter. Duran was able to duck, weave and roll on the inside, slicing hooks and uppercuts to the head and body, making it very difficult to defend against his attacks.

Active outside of the ring, Duran once released a Salsa music album and is a licensed aircraft pilot. Roberto’s daughter followed in his footsteps and boxed without any great success. Duran was inducted into the official Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.

Image credits: WBA.