Benitez's masterclass against Duran appreciation thread

Let's give this one a rewatch for those who have seen it, or a first watch for anyone who hasn't. Easily one of the most beautiful, flawless boxing masterclasses ever put on in ring history. I only gave Duran maybe 2-3 rounds. It was a 13-2, or 12-3 whitewash in favor of El Radar. He would never again reach this level.

 

Damn. No one?

 

It’s bee a while since I’ve watched it but yes, Benitez never again reached these heights. His out of the ring lifestyle caused him to peak early.

Benitez didn’t run here. He used defense and counter punching and made Duran look totally inept. With Duran you always wonder because he wasn’t consistent at 154 lbs. But I do feel that he was in top shape for this one and on this night, he simply lost to the better fighter.

Benitez was so special that even with his habits outside the ring, he still became a 3 weight world champion. Would have loved to see him have a longer reign.

 

This is probably one of the best exhibition of master boxing against an elite fighter. Benitez was nigh untouchable that night against Duran, and he did it up close with no running at all. Brilliant display by Benitez, just a shame that he couldn't keep it together for long but my God he was a special talent.

 

Benitez-Duran, Rose-Harada, and Kalambay-McCallum 1 are possibly the three best boxing exhibitions I've ever seen.

 

Duran-DeJesus 3 is another one.

Whitaker-Ramirez 2. Sweet Pea was on another planet that night.

 

Wilfred made Bobby look completely ponderous here

 

Duran got brutally exposed here

 

"Exposed" as what?

 

Not sure about exposed. I think what happened was that on that particular night, Benitez was better than Duran. It’s entirely possible that at 147 lbs the pre-NO MÁS Duran wins that fight or at the very least makes it much closer and more competitive.

It’s one thing to KNOW how to beat Duran. To be able to do it was something else.

 

I don't know man, there's just something about this fight which I can't get up for. IMO, it just lacks that magical element. I wouldn't have it my top boxing exhibitions. TBH, I don't think I'd have any of those three as them. Canto-Gonzalez II is my favourite.

 

I dont have a problem with that. Canto-Gonzalez II is a great exhibition. Probably just as spectacular as Rose-Harada.

 

i find this fight tedious and sloppy

 

I find Porter's career tedious and sloppy.

 

I've always thought of Harada-Rose as quite a close fight. An exhibition of immense skill and talent from Rose, but you can see his inexperience at that level throughout his title run. He wasn't a very consistent ring general, especially as he struggled making weight.