BoxRec

On March 16, 1974 in Panama City, Panama, the most anticipated rematch in the lightweight division happened. The great Panamanian champ Roberto Duran was making his third title defense of the WBA World Lightweight Crown against sensational Esteban De Jesus of Puerto Rico. One of the greatest rivalries of boxing, started first on Nov 17, 1972 at the Madison Square Garden of New York City when Esteban won by UD in a non title affair. Duran was looking for avenging his only defeat at the time. Both fighters had a combined record of 83-2-4. Interestingly, DeJesus had a little more fights than Duran. Both were 22 years old at the time. In their primes.

Interestingly, De Jesus dropped Duran in the first round, just like he did in the first fight. Both after round 3, it was all the Hands of Stone. He punished Esteban to the body, with terrific pace. Esteban wilted before the stoppage. He was exhausted and done. And it was just a matter of time. Both boy, Duran was a machine that Saturday afternoon. I remember that fight like yesterday.

To say Esteban is not an all time great lightweight, who ever thinks that, is fooling himself. De Jesus could fight. He was excellent. He gave Duran 3 tough fights. He just happened to lose to the greatest lightweight that ever lived. Never mind that. He just happened to lose to the greatest fighter of the last 50 years!

Esteban said that the heat made him quit. I think the punches to the body and the heat were the factors for him to wilt in round 11. He was really exhausted and bruised in the ribs.

Il Dulce, tell the story of what really transpired in the Duran vs De Jesus II fight. I guess you got more information about that fight more than I do.