Roberto Duran vs Randy Shields
Posted: 21 Oct 2023, 11:26
The fight happens at lightweight, junior-welterweight, or welterweight. It's scheduled for ten , 12, or 15 rounds. Who wins and why?
I'm convinced that, no matter the weight or scheduled rounds, Duran wins a decision. That may surprise a lot of people who, understandably, assume Roberto the Great would have KO'd Randy, especially at lightweight.
But Shields was a cagey, skilled defensive fighter who held big height and reach advantages over most opponents. He was expert at dodging blows, leaning away from punishment, and running when necessary. The dude was damned hard to hurt or stop.
The ring action probably plays out much the same as Duran's two fights with Edwin Viruet, a slick defensive boxer who was just as tall as Shields. In two bouts - 25 rounds total - Roberto never came close to stopping Edwin.
I'm convinced that, no matter the weight or scheduled rounds, Duran wins a decision. That may surprise a lot of people who, understandably, assume Roberto the Great would have KO'd Randy, especially at lightweight.
But Shields was a cagey, skilled defensive fighter who held big height and reach advantages over most opponents. He was expert at dodging blows, leaning away from punishment, and running when necessary. The dude was damned hard to hurt or stop.
The ring action probably plays out much the same as Duran's two fights with Edwin Viruet, a slick defensive boxer who was just as tall as Shields. In two bouts - 25 rounds total - Roberto never came close to stopping Edwin.