BoxRec

The great Roberto Duran had a mandatory title defense of his WBA World Jr. Middleweight crown against number one contender, the great Mike McCallum from Jamaica. But Duran chose to fight the great Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns, I guess, for more money.

What if Duran, age 33, would have signed to fight McCallum, age 28, because of a mandatory defense in 1984 instead of Hearns?

I hate to say this, but I think McCallum would stop Duran around the 8th round. The weight class was too big for the Hands of Stone.

McCallum would've been too much for him. Duran was never at his best at that weight, and McCallum would've been too much for him.

gilgamesh wrote:McCallum would've been too much for him. Duran was never at his best at that weight, and McCallum would've been too much for him.

x2

Duran on his best night would make this a 50-50 fight...at least... But McCallum is a lot more likely to be on his best night than Duran.

gilgamesh wrote:McCallum would've been too much for him. Duran was never at his best at that weight, and McCallum would've been too much for him.

I second that. Duran at 154lbs was slow on foot and hand speed. But no matter what, this is a very entertaining fight while it lasts.

elmersalsa wrote:

gilgamesh wrote:McCallum would've been too much for him. Duran was never at his best at that weight, and McCallum would've been too much for him.

I second that. Duran at 154lbs was slow on foot and hand speed. But no matter what, this is a very entertaining fight while it lasts.

Yeah, and it well could go the distance if the best Duran shows up. If it's out-of-shape Duran, Mike stops him.