Dream fight: Roberto Duran vs. Shane Mosley @ 135?
Shane might not be considered in the same league at 135 as Pernell Whitaker or Floyd Mayweather, but I think this match-up is more interesting because of styles.
Duran is arguably the greatest inside fighter of all time. Well past his prime and way above his best weight, he won championships against Davey Moore and Iran Barkley with his in-fighting, and damn near beat one of the greatest middleweights in history, Marvin Hagler, who also liked to mix it up on the inside.
His biggest disadvantage was against boxer-punchers who could keep the fight at a distance, like his two-round mugging at the hands of Tommy Hearns, his two losses to Sugar Ray, and his only loss at lightweight to Esteban De Jesus.
Shane went 34-0 (32 KOs) at lightweight and definitely fits the boxer-puncher mold that was prone to giving Duran fits. He was fast, accurate and devastatingly powerful at that weight, although, admittedly, it was a weak division at the time and he was never really tested.
Who has a good breakdown of how this would play out?
toughguy22008-10-02T04:52:13Z
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It would make for a very interesting fight and match up because of the styles of the two fighters. Of course Duran at this weight was a beast and a legend with his aggressive power punching style and intimidating meanness. Mosley is a very clever and fast fighter also with good power so it wouldn't be an easy contest for Duran. Duran was also very underrated as a boxer and was an excellent counter puncher. He also was not easy to hit with clean shots in the ring. I think that early on Mosley would possibly win some rounds with his speed with Duran pressing the action and keeping him on his bicycle. Mid ways through the fight, there would be some great exchanges and both men go at it toe to toe. Duran would land the cleaner and more effective punches and it would begin to show on Mosleys face. Also a big difference would be the effective body punching of Duran which would effectively slow down Mosley. This no doubt would be a fast paced bout with a lot of action and a lot of punches thrown. Finally in the 10th round, Duran would land some great punches to the body followed by a vicious right hand flush on the chin of Mosely sending him down for the count in a great fight.
This would have been a great fight. Prime-to-prime, though, I think Duran would have the edge. Duran has too much experience. He would have the edge in power, defense, and stamina. Mosley will have a clear advantage in speed. Roberto has a very high ring generalship and I think will break down Mosley. The winner of this fight would be Duran hands down. The early rounds may be handed to Mosley since he will have fresh stamina and, therefore, may use his speed more while throwing punches. The defense of Duran would be able to block out some of Mosley's powershots. Heading into the later rounds(this is a 12-rounder, by the way,) Duran would wear Mosley down with power shots of his own. Duran would be patient in this fight, wherein Mosley would become a little frustrated. I see it ending in the 11th or 12th rounds.
Mosley's strength, speed, power, and ferocity would make for problems with most LW greats, even if technically he was a level or two behind most. Duran however matches him in most physical categories while playing in an entirely different league when technical skills come into play. Duran was one of the elite technicians of all time, a true ring genius, and Mosley's style would play directly into his hands with Duran's far better inside game. Duran by late stoppage.
The first 3 or 4 rounds Shane will win using his fast combos but also getting hard shots by Duran in return. Very close rounds, but Mosley wins them...
Rounds 5-8, Duran will begin to overpower Mosley and starts backing him up into the ropes and starts firing his own combos at him.
Rounds 9-11, Duran starts to truly hurt and dominate Mosley who is no longer punching back as much, just slipping and moving. towards the end of Round 11, Mosley starts to get a second wind and starts to fire back combos, and in one of his flurries get's caught with a left-hook followed by a right-hand that gets him right on the jaw and puts him down for the count....
Mosley even at his very best would be no match for Roberto Duran. Duran was an extremely rough fighter who dumped his second fight with Ray Leonard and was amply rewarded with a series of matches at higher weights. Hearns was probably at his best as a L,H. and a tall one.
Mosley never had the punching power of Marvin Hagler and simply could not keep Duran off him. He might go the distance but would not be asking for a rematch.