Roberto Duran regularly features on lists of boxing’s all-time greats — but who does “Hands of Stone” pick as his own number one?
Duran, a natural fighting machine and one of the sport’s most intimidating figures, was a force of nature at his peak. Historian Bert Sugar rated him eighth on his famous list of boxing immortals, placing the Panamanian alongside giants such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Henry Armstrong.
Across an illustrious career, Duran won world titles in four divisions, though many believe his reign at lightweight was his true peak. His dominance at 135lbs is so widely respected that he is frequently cited as the greatest lightweight of all time.
In a recent interview, YouTube outlet ES News asked the boxing legend who would win a fantasy fight between Sugar Ray Robinson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Duran did not hesitate.
“Sugar Ray Robinson.”
When pressed for a reason, Duran kept it simple.
“He’s the best. [The number one in history?] Sugar Ray Robinson is the best.”
Robinson and Mayweather were separated by several eras, but Duran’s pick is no surprise. Sugar topped Bert Sugar’s own rankings, while ESPN and The Ring have also previously named him the greatest fighter who ever lived.
Other legends — including Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Leonard — have spoken in similarly glowing terms. Robinson was singled out from a young age as a special talent, excelling as an amateur before carrying his speed, power and impeccable timing into a professional career that brought world titles at welterweight and middleweight.
His résumé remains loaded with victories over fellow greats such as Jake LaMotta, Carmen Basilio, Kid Gavilan and Rocky Graziano.
