LOL. The real answer - I see him going either 0-3 against the Cuban trio, or possibly 1-2. I think of Duran vs Napoles as a 50-50, but I think Rodriguez and Gavilan are both very bad styles for Duran.
I tend to think Duran's style is right to beat all three, but short of Sugar Ray Robinson, I don't think there's any WW who clean sweeps these three. Gavilan's issues with Basilio give me pause when picking him over Duran. It was Basilio's head-movement and cross-counter which troubled Gavilan, as well as his strength and workrate, obviously. I think Duran replicates a lot of this success and possibly nicks a decision. Either way, it's a close decision. Napoles vs Duran would be an incredible fight, but I find it hard to go against Duran. Nap was basically the same size as Roberto, but I think he'd get pretty roughed up by Duran up close and I'm not convinced he was better at mid or long range. Napoles was a much smoother and sharper fighter IMO, but Duran was both a better technician and a rougher guy. I think it would show after rounds of an unbelievable fight. Cuts stoppage or a clear-cut decision IMO. Rodriguez would win, I think. Good enough mover to avoid Duran, and smart enough to not engage him. His infighting was also good enough to not be completely walked over.
You made valid points indeed. Perhaps, strangely, I've actually UNDERRATED Duran for once. Yeah, Rodriguez seems to be the only true bad style for Duran here. But I still say fights with the Keed and Nap are too close to call. Napoles is certainly the more winnable of the two for Duran, imo. Simply because Napoles lacked Gavilan's strength and toughness. Gavilan-Duran would be a tear up, as both were among the greatest infighters of all time. From range, however, the Keed's length and piston jab figure to give him the edge.
I think Duran's quite easy to underrate (although you have to be careful that you're not overrating him above 147 - and I mean in general, not you specifically, mate). He was just so good technically, and people just don't see some of the shit he's doing. Every facet of his boxing is incredible. I don't think there's one aspect of a fighters 'attributes' that he'd be less than an 8/10 in. He's the most skilled fighter ever IMO, and it's not even particularly close.
Yes, I would certainly consider Duran the most skilled fighter of all time. He's probably the only guy who's top 10 all time as both an offensive genius, and defensive genius.
