I think Duran would have won a close decision. He was a smarter fighter and he'd out think Pryor, who was no dummy in his own right.
I don't see it as close as you, and I love Pryor. I think Duran would have stopped Pryor late, after taking the fight over from round 7ish on. Pryor just had too many defensive holes for Duran. He could match Duran in terms of ferocity, but in terms of skill Pryor was too outgunned.
I dunno man. At 135...sure, Duran was a beast at that weight. Above 135lb? Duran wasn't consistent above that weight. Close fight but I do not see Duran stopping Pryor AT ALL.
For the last time, Duran in his prime was one of the most consistent fighters ever. His inconsitency didn't start until after the No Mas fight, when he was in his 30s and past his prime. SECONDLY, this whole "consistency" shit proves you're a Duran hater. Mythical Matchups work under the assumption of the best version of each guy. You're the man who called Toney better than Hagler (laughable, but I digress) when Toney's perhaps THE most inconsisent great of them all. If I put Toney in a Mythical Matchup against Hagler, would you mention the Tiberi and Reggie Johnson fights of Toney? No, you wouldn't. You're always trying to fit an agenda.
I don't recall saying that Toney was better than Hagler. I don't think he was. I think Toney was better at certain things but Hagler was better overall. What's my "agenda" in saying that Duran wont stop Pryor? As far as I know Pryor never fought Mayweather...
If you actually brok downe the fight, and came to the assumption Duran would win a close fight, I wouldn't have said anything. You brought Duran's "inconsistency" into the discussion, which makes no sense. The man's prime lasted damn near 10 years. Pryor's prime was over after 3 years.
Duran should win this one in an exciting fight. Competitive but not close. Duran was just better. More skilled, smart, and polished. Duran's inconsistency was really only above 147, from 1981-on. Duran wasn't even doing that bad in New Orleans, which made his quit job all the more puzzling and embarrassing.