BoxRec

Today is the great Roberto Duran's 74th Birthday. One of the greatest boxers of all-time, in my view, the best fighter since 1965, is having a time of his life, first with Father's Day yesterday and now today his birthday.

Forty-two years ago, El Cholo, thrilled us when he reincarnated, reindivicated and redeemed himself from the No Mas scandal almost 3 years earlier against the great Sugar Ray Leonard in New Orleans.

But, on this night, 16 former and current world champions, including Leonard on that day, witnessed the King at work, dismantling champion Davey Moore of Bronx, NY at a mad house in Madison Square Garden in New York City.

There was 16,000 delirious fans from all over the world to see their hero win his third world championship in three different weight divisions. Roberto became the 8th man to do so at the time.

Duran won the WBA World Jr Middleweight Crown from Moore by technical knockout in 8 rounds. It was one of Duran's most fearsome and incredible performances.

Happy Birthday, champ! May you have many more. May JAH bless you!

Happy Birthday to the former Lightweight, Welterweight, Junior Middleweight and Middleweight champion in the legendary Hands of Stone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GREATEST A TRUE LIVING LEGEND FOUR WEIGHT DIVISIONS AND THE GREATEST LIGHTWEIGHT IN BOXING HISTORY ROBERTO “MANOS DE PIEDRA” DURAN!!!

I will never forget that unforgettable night in New York City at Madison Square Garden. There were a jammed-packed house of 16,000 delirious fans and 16 former and current world champions in attendance like Muhammad Ali, Jose "Chegui" Torres, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Floyd Patterson and Sugar Ray Leonard, that supported and congratulated Roberto Duran with a kiss. It was a beautiful moment.

With tears in his eyes, Duran came back to glory in extraordinary fashion. He led the chorus outside the ring apron with the shouts of "Duran, Duran, Duran, Duran, Duran!" It was unbelievable!

Duran redeemed himself and the public and his fans welcomed him back to his throne. It was one of the most unforgettable nights of an unforgettable decade.

It was Thursday, June 16, 1983. A night that I will never forget.

Happy belated birthday, champ.