Tweet
30 years ago today marked the first Roberto Duran-Ray Leonard fight. The buildup for this fight was incredible, as it was the biggest non-heavyweight promotion to ever occur at the time. Duran made many derogatory comments directed at Sugar and his wife, causing Ray to abandon his style to stand toe-to-toe with the Hands of Stone. They fought at a ravage pace, which is what helped give Duran the victory, even though after being severely hurt in the second round by a Duran right cross, Leonard came back and gave as good as he got for the rest of the 15 rounds. The Montreal fans shockingly booed Leonard during the ring intros and vociferously cheered for Duran throughout the fight. That fight clinched legendary status for Duran and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that not only was the Sugar man a great fighter, but he had excellent chin, stamina and heart.
I saw this fight as a 12 year old with my father at Madison Square Garden on closed circuit. The place was sold out and split 50/50 as to who the crowd favored. The place was electric and many fights broke out throughout the stands. What were some of your memories of this classic encounter 30 years ago?
I saw this fight as a 12 year old with my father at Madison Square Garden on closed circuit. The place was sold out and split 50/50 as to who the crowd favored. The place was electric and many fights broke out throughout the stands. What were some of your memories of this classic encounter 30 years ago?
Comment