Roberto Duran’s Title Reign: All the Details
Roberto Duran, a boxing legend known for his tenacity and skill, held multiple world titles throughout his career. In this article, we delve into the comprehensive details of Roberto Duran’s title reigns, highlighting the championships he won, his notable defenses, and the impact of his dominance in the ring.
Roberto Duran’s Title Reign
Lightweight Division:
Roberto Duran’s title reign began in the lightweight division. On June 26, 1972, Duran defeated Ken Buchanan to capture the WBA lightweight title. He successfully defended the title 12 times, facing tough opponents such as Esteban De Jesus and Ray Lampkin, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the division.
Welterweight Division:
Duran’s move to the welterweight division saw him achieve tremendous success. On June 20, 1980, he defeated Sugar Ray Leonard in their first encounter to claim the WBC welterweight title. However, Duran’s reign in this division was short-lived as he vacated the title after the rematch against Leonard.
Junior Middleweight Division:
After a brief hiatus, Duran returned to the ring and moved up to the junior middleweight division. On January 30, 1983, he faced Davey Moore for the WBA junior middleweight title, securing a sensational knockout victory and adding another title to his collection. Duran defended the title once before moving on to new challenges.
Middleweight Division:
Duran’s foray into the middleweight division came on November 10, 1989, when he fought Iran Barkley for the WBC middleweight title. Despite being the underdog, Duran displayed his resilience and boxing acumen, defeating Barkley by a close split decision to become a world champion in a higher weight class.
Super Middleweight Division:
In 2000, Duran made another bold move by venturing into the super middleweight division. He fought and defeated Patrick Goossen to claim the IBC super middleweight title, showcasing his versatility and determination even in the latter stages of his career.
Conclusion
Roberto Duran’s title reigns in the lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight divisions exemplifying his versatility and dominance as a boxer. His ability to capture titles across different weight classes solidifies his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport, leaving a lasting legacy in boxing history.
Watch Roberto Duran’s highlight reel below:
