Saw a terrific sparring session all those years ago at the fabled Main St. Gym in L.A.
Roberto Duran vs Danny Lopez. I wish I recorded it, but strangely no one seemed to have a cell phone.
Took place in the late 1970s. I believe it was shortly before Duran's final fight with DeJesus. When Duran fought in Las Vegas, the Main St. Gym was always his gym of choice. For Lopez, the Main St. was his home base, since it was run by his manager Howie Steindler.
Word must have leaked out that the lightweight champion of the world was going to tangle with the featherweight champion of the world. I didn't know that it was going to happen. I just stumbled in on the right day.
The place was packed to the rafters. Hundreds of the curious turned out. Amazing that the floor of that ancient gym didn't collapse.
I think that the 2 champs went at it for 3 rounds and there was no holding back.
Duran had a reputation for being merciless on his sparring partners. Lopez, who I had seen spar countless times, was usually more laid back. But on that afternoon Lopez had to go full throttle if he wanted to survive.
Lopez pretty much gave as good as he got, despite Duran being bigger, stronger and noticeably quicker.
On several occasions, Duran's right hand to the head would send Lopez flying back to the ropes. But he also came charging back, showing no signs of intimidation. Lopez had a warrior's heart, no matter who was in the ring with him.
More than a few times, Lopez cracked Duran solidly, merely causing the Panamanian to snarl and let go with rapid combinations. Even though it was only sparring, when the 2 fighters were in close Duran would casually lift his shoulder and jam into Little Red's chin. You could hear Steindler swearing whenever Duran tried that.
I always remember that every time Duran punched he would emit this high pitched squeal. Almost a bird call. You never heard a sound from Lopez. Just his punches landing.
When the 9 minutes were over, the ferocious Duran suddenly brightened, broke into a big smile and hugged Lopez closely, apparently giving his approval of Little Red's efforts.
Lopez just nodded, grinned and tapped Duran on the head several times.
Two legendary guys putting on quite a show inside a legendary boxing gym.
And I feel privileged to have witnessed it. All for the price of admission: 50 cents.
