Welterweights: Roberto Duran vs Carmen Basilio

[elmersalsa]

Two of the toughest men that ever stepped into the ring fight at 147lbs. Who wins between the Duran that beat great Sugar Ray Leonard in Montreal against the Basilio that beat Tony DeMarco, Johnny Saxton and lost a razor-closed decision versus the great Kid Gavilan?

[KOJOE90]

Welterweights don't come any tougher than Carmen Basilio but the Duran who beat Ray Leonard was a special fighter as well, he was a force of nature that night in Montreal.

This one is as tight as it gets, they may even split a trilogy, but if I was a betting man I would edge towards Durans counterpunching to exploit Basilios defencive weakness to win a gruelling fight on points.

[BoxBuzz]

I don't like having to pick on this one but forced into it I go with Duran. And I think Carmen would absorb it for 15 rounds, he'd be outpointed and pretty bloodied. But not particulary bowed.

[TommyThomas3]

Duran wins this fight by landing the more damaging and cleaner counterpunches.

[BoxBuzz]

Bleeding will let Carmen down here.

In the old days, Carmen might win a decision purely on the show of guts, though he might not deserve it. Duran would not care, he would be happy chopping his boy up, whether he got the W or not.

However in this day and age, it would simply be stopped on cuts and Duran would win.

[gilgamesh]

Bleeding will let Carmen down here.

In the old days, Carmen might win a decision purely on the show of guts, though he might not deserve it. Duran would not care, he would be happy chopping his boy up, whether he got the W or not.

However in this day and age, it would simply be stopped on cuts and Duran would win.

Yep, in fairness I think Duran's toughness and edge in Boxing skill would've been enough for him to win the fight in just about any era. If they fought 3 times though, I figure Carmen would beat him at least once.

[Rover]

Duran on points.

[elmersalsa]

Interesting fight. Interesting posts. I agree like the majority here. Both of them greats. But Duran overall complete skill outdo everything what Carmen would bring to the table. It would not be an easy fight for the two of them.

[Giancarlo]

Duran points

[SenorPipino]

Back and forth, but Duran the overall quicker fighter with greater defensive skills.
Tough guy Basilio would take all that Duran had to offer, unless cuts intervene,and it would go the savage distance with Manos de Piedras the winner by unanimous decision.

[elmersalsa]

Duran! Duran! Duran!