Roberto Duran is one of the greatest boxers that ever lived and still does interviews.
Even though he doesn’t speak English his translator always offers a great insight into his legendary career.
Speaking on the Ring Magazine Podcast Duran said recently of fighting the great Ray Leonard:
“I was a 135-pound champion when my manager told me about the chance to fight for the 147-pound world title against Sugar Ray Leonard. He warned me that Leonard was too fast and moved a lot, but I told him not to worry. I trained for speed and eventually reached a point where no one could touch me. I was ready.”
Duran was known as ‘Hands of Stone’ but had a heart of gold.
He put on a bit of weight in between fights occasionally which some opponents tried to use to their advantage but calling fights on short notice with him.
Ever the competitor, Duran took on all comers.
If there is a criticism of today’s fighters is that they do not fight enough — Duran and the likes of Leonard sometimes fought nearly ten times or more in a year when they were champions.
World champions need to be fighting at least three times a year in boxing — including in the heavyweight division.
In a growth time for the sport that is what is needed further as the good times roll for boxing in 2025 and beyond.
