Is Duran the greatest fighter still alive today?

[them_apples]

He's already spoken of like a legend and he's still partying by the looks of it.

Any other contenders? Leonard? Foreman?

[ShoulderRoll]

Yeah, I would say Roberto Duran is the greatest living fighter. With Sugar Ray Leonard second.

I wish someone would film an instructional video with Duran. Get him to record his lifetime of boxing knowledge for posterity so it doesn't get lost. There are clips of him coaching boxers on YouTube but we need something more organized and thorough.

He is the last remaining link to Ray Arcel and Freddie Brown.

[GhostofDempsey]

Yes, I would agree Duran is the greatest living boxer alive today. I'd rank Pacquiao a close second. Leonard rounds out the top three.

[QueensburyRules]

- -Duran shot up to 250+ in retirement, but a few years back shed the blubber and was down to 170, so unless someone has a 2021 photo of new blubber, they should STFU.

I'd say Duran is the greatest living fighter today, but Senator and future Prez Manny passes him down the road. No heavy has come close to Wlad since the days of Joe Louis, heresy for the infidel boxing experts who can barely get out of their own way these days. I really don't rate Leonard that highly other than in talent and ability to exploit boxing to his financial well being, a bit like Floydy Jr with both being brittle as fighters and men.

[them_apples]

- -Duran shot up to 250+ in retirement, but a few years back shed the blubber and was down to 170, so unless someone has a 2021 photo of new blubber, they should STFU.

I'd say Duran is the greatest living fighter today, but Senator and future Prez Manny passes him down the road. No heavy has come close to Wlad since the days of Joe Louis, heresy for the infidel boxing experts who can barely get out of their own way these days. I really don't rate Leonard that highly other than in talent and ability to exploit boxing to his financial well being, a bit like Floydy Jr with both being brittle as fighters and men.

Pacquiao def needs to be on the list. I don't think he surpasses Duran though, and he's neck in neck with Leonard. Pacquiao beat a ton of good competition and beat some of them bad, but never got to pick up that hall of fame ATG win that only few great fighters have. Duran has one over Leonard, and Leonard has one over Hearns.

Basically, going in an underdog vs a prime undefeated great fighter and coming out on top, you can't beat that accomplishment. Pacquiaos closest version is over Barrera, who was young, still good but had been in wars and also coming off surgery. The domination is was made it so good.

His win over Thurman is also impressive. I think it's also testament to how good he was in his prime, he really woulda beat up the current crop of welters. He still might who knows.

[ShoulderRoll]

If Pacquiao gets a mention then obviously Floyd deserves a shout since he beat him. There's also Roy Jones.

But to me all of the above rank below the career of Duran.

[GhostofDempsey]

If Pacquiao gets a mention then obviously Floyd deserves a shout since he beat him. There's also Roy Jones.

But to me all of the above rank below the career of Duran.

Using that logic, you give Hearns and Benitez a shout since they beat prime Duran. Yet Duran still ranks higher that either of them.

[travestyny]

The problem with Pacquiao is that he doesn't have the technical skill to match up with Floyd. How many times did we watch him gradually push Floyd to the corner, only to be clocked with a check hook and have Floyd turn out....over and over and over again. I'm surprised that he never learned how to cut off the ring effectively.

Duran, Sugar Ray, and I'd have to go Floyd next. For what it's worth, I think Canelo is amazing and could possibly move into this list before his career is done.

[billeau2]

Im havng a hard time conceptualizing the category, but I agree with the sentiments regarding Duran. leonard definitely is close... Mayweather canelo and imo Andre Ward, are like great wines that need more time to mellow before they are judged... Interesting enough I don't rate pac as highly. Manny is exceptional but uses a SouthEast Asian kickboxing style that is crude and linear. It made him somewhat a "one gear" fighter, who lost a lot and could be overcome by fighters with more skills like marquez.

[ShoulderRoll]

Using that logic, you give Hearns and Benitez a shout since they beat prime Duran. Yet Duran still ranks higher that either of them.

Obviously entire career resumes come into play. With head-to-head results being especially noteworthy.