Roberto Duran versus Antonio Cervantes

[goose 5]

Let's make this match in 1974; who wins it?

[oogiebe]

Let's make this match in 1974; who wins it?

WOW! That's actually a tough call. Duran was so young and hadn't yet become cagey. Cervantes was an ATG who never got enough credit IMHO. Cervantes was also a super lightweight in 1974 which gives him a size advantage as well.

My first thought is that Cervantes would be too slick for the young hands of stone...circa 1974.

[Abradolf Lincler]

Cervantes was pretty far from slick. Excellent fighter, but that's one of the last words I'd use to describe him. I can't see him beating any near prime version of Duran.

[elmersalsa]

Back in the 1970s decade, NOBODY, ABSOLUTELY NOBODY, from featherweight to Jr Welterweight, wanted a piece of the Hands of Stone!

[oogiebe]

Cervantes was pretty far from slick. Excellent fighter, but that's one of the last words I'd use to describe him. I can't see him beating any near prime version of Duran.

Slick as in more experienced and Cervantes was quite cagey by 1974.

[Ambling Alp II]

Duran would probably have won, but it may have been interesting. Duran did seem to skip right past him.

[oogiebe]

Duran would probably have won, but it may have been interesting. Duran did seem to skip right past him.

It certainly would've been one helluva fight. Cervantes Soundly beat Esteban DeJesus who gave Duran fits.

[Abradolf Lincler]

I think De Jesus started to skid after the rematch with Duran (which took place over a year before he faced Cervantes). That one took a lot out of him. I've always thought he peaked early as a fighter. Not necessarily saying that he'd have beaten Cervantes, anyway. Probably just a bad matchup.

[Nile4000]

Let's make this match in 1974; who wins it?

Antonio in a nailbiter.

[Seamus]

Duran by a 3-4 pt decision.

[Ambling Alp II]

Antonio in a nailbiter.

There is no way that Cervantes would get the decision if it was close.

[Woldemar]

Duran by decision.

[DrDuke]

Duran by decision or late stoppage.

[Nile4000]

There is no way that Cervantes would get the decision if it was close.

In Colombia he would .

[Scypion]

Got to go with Duran.