Floyd Mayweather vs. Roberto Duran Debate Leaves Boxing World in Splits; Sugar Ray Leonard Roped In

Boxing History shared a gem through its Facebook page early today. Fans and followers saw two of the greatest and most well-known names in the sport standing together, smiling. But it was the page owner’s poser that got the tongues wagging. Boxing History asked between Roberto Durán and Floyd Mayweather Jr., who won, provided both met during their prime. As could be expected, soon, a posse of responses chimed in.

Given the boxing greats’ reputation and record, an equilibrium of thoughts appears from the comments. 

Roberto Duran and Floyd Mayweather Jr. – two greats and warring fans 

Fans from both ends argued about why their icon holds a particular advantage over the other. The so on and so forth followed.     

According to Kwesi Marfo, a duel between the two might end in a Mayweather Jr. victory by unanimous decision. It’s nearly impossible to beat him despite lacking strength.

However, Marfo contends that anyone with a skill set similar to ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard can defeat him. The user said, “Mayweather [wins] on points. Mayweather, [is] not a strong puncher but [is] very difficult to beat. A boxer with a boxing style of Sugar Ray Leonard can also beat him..“

For Roger Wood, Roberto Duran, without a doubt, was the greatest of the bunch. Compared to Mayweather Jr., he will put his money safely on Duran since the former could not have gone the distance against the Panamanian. “I’ll go Roberto all the way money could not have gone backwards for 12 rounds with him, Duran by a country mile at his best for me not a question mark anywhere,” Wood said. 

Treading cautiously, Bryan Cogbill stipulates a scenario with Duran and Mayweather Jr. in their prime. Hence in the Welterweight division, the American boxer meets Duran at his peak against ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard. Thus the ‘Hands of Stone’ might be standing low on scorecards. However, toward the final rounds, launching a barrage of body shots would work in his favor.

The user said, “If they fight in their primes, at Welter…that would be Duran at his peak in the first Leonard fight. I got Duran by late rounds KO behind on all scorecards, but a brutal, patient body assault finally pays off around round 11 or 12.“

But there were a couple of die-hard Mayweather Jr. fans. Despite his love for Roberto Duran, Simon Jennings asserts that the legend will find the going too harsh against Mayweather Jr., “Love Duran, but Floyd all day long, he’d be far too cute for Roberto.”

Then perhaps jokingly, Sid Vem believes that the American great can fight Duran even when he turns fifty, “Mayweather because he would would fight Duran when he is 50.“

Last month, pic of ‘Duran with Ray Leonard sent fans into a frenzy. Witnessing fans’ admiration and love for Roberto Duran and Floyd Mayweather Jr is fascinating. Despite retiring in 2017, the latter actively participates in the exhibition circuit. On the other hand, the former left boxing in 2001 but remains in the hearts of millions for the sheer thrill and excitement he provided for nearly five decades.

Read More: “Nobody Is Actually Fighting”: Floyd Mayweather Jr Captures Fans’ Attention With Bizarre Move From Last Fight

What’s your take on the reactions? Who, in your opinion, will have the upper hand between the two greats? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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