Instead of fighting stiffs at lightweight Duran mans up and challenges the champs in divisions above. What happens?
Sorry about my wording, there was a slight typo. What I meant is that after cleaning out his own division Duran faces other legends. What happens?
I don't give Cervantes too much chance, personally,though it'd certainly be competitive. With Duran-Napoles the only certain outcome is I jizz in my pants.
Cervantes would take a beating before he tags in Napoles who hits him with a big chair shot for the 10 count
Cervantes competes well and has his moments, but I like Duran's pace and defensive ability to be a bit too much for him to overcome... Duran clearly on points Napoles/Duran is a fascinating match... I wouldn't bet against either, but with a gun to my head, I would pick Napoles, as long as his skin holds up
Well..Manos de Piedra had UMPTEEN chances throughout the course of the 70's decade to fight Pambele and he never "manned up" to the challenge. Pambele instead wound up fighting Duran conqueror Esteban DeJesus in Duran's hometown of Panama City, Panama as Roberto wanted nothing to do with him in the ring. That being told, Pambele was avoided for good reason as he beats Duran on points. As far as Napoles goes, he also beats Duran by decision.
According to his biography his manager of that time Eleta indeed did not want Duran to take on all opponents, Cervantes among them. Duran probably trusted his own chances (and rightfully so) but they did do some hand picking
Yep. Duran takes on Leonard, Hearns, Benitez and Hagler all at higher weights, but he's scared of Cervantes? I don't think so.
He might have avoided him cause he tought the risk wasn't worth the reward, or that losing to Cervantes would be a lot more damaging to his career than losing to Leonard.
