Roberto Duran was he the best Lightweight ever?

[tysonpower]

Roberto DURAN WAS HE THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT EVER?

[raylawpc]

No.

[Goodnight, Irene]

No.

Certainly the most sentimentally over-rated though, I know that.

[bollox]

yes

[TBooze]

It is a pick'em with Leonard. I think most people born in the last 60 years pick Duran, those born say pre World War II tend to pick Benny.

[dempseyfire]

No. Actually a little over-rated in my book (relatively speaking) He's in the top 5 for sure though. Off the top of my head I'd rank Leonard, Gans, Williams, and probably Ross over him.

[King Carlos]

In what way? His achievements at the weight have been surpassed by a good few, but I'm not sure any natural Lightweight was ever a better fighter through and through.

[BoxBuzz]

I'll say yes, in order to help him remain "over rated".

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Duran, Leonard or Whitaker for me. And I'd say yes by a nose.

[wsbuf]

No. Actually a little over-rated in my book (relatively speaking) He's in the top 5 for sure though. Off the top of my head I'd rank Leonard, Gans, Williams, and probably Ross over him.

I would add Whitaker and Henry Armstrong @ Lightweight. Maybe Canzoneri too.

[raylawpc]

A shout-out to an old-timer, George "Kid" Lavigne.

[elmersalsa]

Yes! the best ever at lightweight....hands down and a thumbs up!

[giacomino]

Close, but yes, imo

[Ezzard]

What you can be 100% of is that Duran is in the debate. After that it's all about personal preference.

If someone tells me it's Duran then they are either right or not far off.

[flatnoseflynn]

No.

Certainly the most sentimentally over-rated though, I know that.

Are there any boxers you actually do rate? please tell

[The Great John L]

Are there any boxers you actually do rate? please tell

Well, I can think of one that he rates.

[Goodnight, Irene]

Hes talking about Foreman anyway - a fighter Seamus doesnt rate, interestingly

[The Great John L]

Hes talking about Foreman anyway - a fighter Seamus doesnt rate, interestingly

Seamus must have actually watched his fights also. 8)

[Seamus]

I have quite alot of respect for George Foreman. I just don't rate him above Ali.

[The Great John L]

I have quite alot of respect for George Foreman. I just don't rate him above Ali.

My thoughts as well. George was an ATG, just not as great as about a dozen others from history who actually fought and beat world class boxers with decent defensive skills.

[Goodnight, Irene]

Actually, with apologies to Seamus, I was thinking of John L.

So John, sadly there are no friends to play with in the Asylum.

[BoxBuzz]

So....you didn't know what you were talking about?

Not an entirely bad thing actually.

I think this takes some of the pressure off the rest of us!

[Goodnight, Irene]

No ones expected anything out of you in a long time, Buzz. I wouldnt sweat it.

[BoxBuzz]

Gotcha! by keeping expectations extremely low, you can pull the ol "razzle dazzle" every now and again.

You taught me that!

[Ambling Alp]

I think you have to consider Joe Gans. He, Duran, Leonard, and Armstrong are all right up there. It goes down those four. You could make a decent argument for any of those four.