Roberto Duran's Boxing Record: The Man of Stone

Roberto Duran, a.k.a. Manos de Piedra (Spanish meaning "Hands of Stone"), is a legendary Panamanian boxer whose remarkable career spanned over 30 years. Born on June 16, 1951, in Guarare, Panama, Duran became known for his relentless determination and unmatched fighting spirit. His journey through the ranks of professional boxing saw him claim numerous championships, but it was his controversial "No mas" statement that left a lasting impact on the sport.

Early Career

Roberto Duran began his professional boxing career on March 8, 1967. His early years were a remarkable success, as he won the first 32 matches of his career, securing 26 of them by knockout. On November 17, 1972, Duran suffered his first professional defeat against Esteban De Jesus in a 10-round non-title decision. However, Duran's journey to success had already started in earnest.

World Lightweight Champion

In 1972, Duran's remarkable win-streak continued when he knocked out Ken Buchanan in the 13th round to win the world lightweight championship. This victory was the beginning of a period where Duran dominated the lightweight division. His winning streak in lightweight championship matches lasted from 1973 to 1978, during which he never lost a title match.

Welterweight Reign and Controversy

As Duran moved up to the welterweight division, his journey included a significant turning point. On June 20, 1980, in a 15-round decision, Duran took on Suger Ray Leonard and successfully claimed the world welterweight championship. However, less than five months later, on November 25, 1980, Duran lost the title to Leonard in a controversial manner. Leonard secured an eighth-round knockout, and Duran's reputation was tarnished by the "No mas" incident.

The "No mas" Incident

The "No mas" incident occurred during the second meeting with Suger Ray Leonard. This fight is infamous for Duran's statement “No mas!” in the middle of the eighth round when he refused to continue the fight, signaling his desire to quit. While Duran was not actually knocked out, this event cemented an image of a boxer who gave up and left a lasting impact on boxing history.

Later Career and Championships

Undeterred by the controversy, Duran resumed his career in the summer of 1981. His resilience and skill saw him regain the World Boxing Association (WBA) junior-middleweight title in 1983. In 1989, he secured the World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight title, further cementing his legacy as a boxer of exceptional quality.

Retirement and Legacy

By continuing to box for an extended period, Duran's career stretched until his retirement in 2002. During his illustrious career, he won 103 matches and suffered 16 losses. While his controversial "No mas" statement overshadowed parts of his legacy, boxing experts and historians agreed that Duran was one of the finest fighters of the 20th century, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.

Conclusion

Roberto Duran's boxing record stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering determination. Despite the controversy, his contributions to the sport cannot be overlooked. From his early lightweight champion status to his later welterweight and middleweight titles, Duran remains one of the most recognizable and respected figures in boxing history.