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Just got done watching Leonard-Duran II. I’m not sure I ever saw it in its entirety, or it was so long ago I forgot what really happened. A lot of people are under the impression Roberto quit because he was being humiliated by Ray. Most wave off Duran’s story that he partied like crazy after the first encounter, put on excessive weight and then rushed to shed the pounds. A minority believe the excuse about an upset stomach caused by eating a steak (or two) right after the same-day weigh-in.
I don’t know if it’s because I knew the eventual outcome, but it seemed to me that Duran had a different energy even before the opening bell rang. He appeared passive. Gone was the infamous fire in his eyes; and in between rounds, Roberto just seemed “off”.
The bout itself was a surprisingly close affair. I scored it for Leonard in the early rounds; but, remarkably, had it 4-2 Duran, going into the seventh. It was in that frame where it appears the legend was spawned. Ray began showboating, making Roberto look a little befuddled. Leonard took the point home, but it wasn’t exactly a big round, either; it was just memorable for the antics. I had Ray up again in the eighth; and would probably have had the fight even after that, if it hadn’t been for the history that would unfold.
Although I’ve seen, heard and read about the moment many times over the years, it was still stunning. There literally appeared to be no reason for Duran’s “No Más” (Roberto has maintained over the years he never uttered those words). Leonard had not even struck a blow just prior to Duran quitting, and the bout was close by any standard.
Here we are, almost 40 years later, and I’m even more perplexed as to what really happened. I always thought Duran was hanging on to an excuse, but now I’m not so sure. He may very well have been telling the truth. It’s either that, or Roberto threw the fight intentionally. I don’t see any other plausible reason. He surely wasn’t being embarrassed or outclassed, as most seem to think, or remember...or think they remember.
I don’t know if it’s because I knew the eventual outcome, but it seemed to me that Duran had a different energy even before the opening bell rang. He appeared passive. Gone was the infamous fire in his eyes; and in between rounds, Roberto just seemed “off”.
The bout itself was a surprisingly close affair. I scored it for Leonard in the early rounds; but, remarkably, had it 4-2 Duran, going into the seventh. It was in that frame where it appears the legend was spawned. Ray began showboating, making Roberto look a little befuddled. Leonard took the point home, but it wasn’t exactly a big round, either; it was just memorable for the antics. I had Ray up again in the eighth; and would probably have had the fight even after that, if it hadn’t been for the history that would unfold.
Although I’ve seen, heard and read about the moment many times over the years, it was still stunning. There literally appeared to be no reason for Duran’s “No Más” (Roberto has maintained over the years he never uttered those words). Leonard had not even struck a blow just prior to Duran quitting, and the bout was close by any standard.
Here we are, almost 40 years later, and I’m even more perplexed as to what really happened. I always thought Duran was hanging on to an excuse, but now I’m not so sure. He may very well have been telling the truth. It’s either that, or Roberto threw the fight intentionally. I don’t see any other plausible reason. He surely wasn’t being embarrassed or outclassed, as most seem to think, or remember...or think they remember.
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