Prime Manny Pacquiao or Prime Roberto Duran. who will win at 140?

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I got Pac by SD. Pac has the speed, footwork, combinations, stamina and head-movement advantages- That equates to a SD IMO. I don't think he can knock-out much less knock-down Duran.

If they just box in the middle of the ring, which I think what would happen due to Pacquiao's footwork and foot-speed, then Pacquiao have the slight edge. Duran can box too but Pacquiao has the slight advantage in terms of boxing skills. That's why its gonna be a SD or maybe even a UD for Pac.

The only way I see Duran winning is with a lucky solid connect. But I think Manny's footwork and head-movement is enough neutralize that, he'll go in and out all day in the middle of the ring.

***EDIT***
Here's an example on why I think Pacquiao would out-box and land his combinations against Duran in the middle of the ring. Look carefully on how open Duran's head is and how his opponent easily landed his combinations at the 1:40 part of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSg5UnX5xFs ,the opponent didn't have the footwork to go out after throwing those combinations, but Manny Pacquiao does, and that's what he's gonna do all night long, in and out, he has the stamina to go 15 rounds so he wouldn't have any problems.

Also, Duran seems to hug his opponents while throwing his shots, we all know that is similar to the way Ricky Hatton fights, I think Pacquiao's footwork and foot-speed will also neutralize that. Pacquiao's calves are unnaturally big, that's why his footwork is so brilliant, and not a lot of people realize that his calves has been one of the biggest assets of him winning fights besides his speed IMO....Show more

Damn that's a tough one. I'm watching Duran Leonard I, just to make sure I can answer this question in perspective. I was 6 when this fight happened, and its the first time I'm seeing it. When I started watching boxing, Duran was already fading which is unfortunate.

Seeing Duran I know I how much I missed. I would have definitely been a huge fan had I been older in that era.

But believe it or not, I think Pacquiao could have taken him provided he can survive the first few rounds. Now Duran is a monster and no way can Pacquiao stand toe to toe. Hatton is probably the closest thing to a Duran Pacman has fought. But Duran must have a stronger jaw. And Duran is definitely faster than Hatton. If Duran can smother Pacquiao early, get him trapped, then its Duran's fight.

But that's easier said than done. Pac is very active in his feet. I thought Hatton would be able to trap him, but I was apparently mistaken. Pacman would be slippery enough to fight from the outside. Also, I believe that while everybody is shouting praises at Pac's speed, I think people are forgetting the power in that left hand. Thats a left hand that has put someone in a coma, I heard. The present pacquiao would be able to land his punches while moving backward and they would be effective punches.

Of course though, that's just my opinion....Show more

I got to say Duran because at 140lbs. he had the energy to match Manny every round, plus he's tough as heck, so if he escapes a couple early flash knockdowns I think he finishes Manny late by TKO or decision. The only way I can put Pacquiao ahead of Duran who most agree was almost untouchable at lightweight, is if Manny Impressively beats Cotto and either Floyd Jr. or Shane Mosley. Now I think this is the only way Manny can can reach Duran's legendary status as a boxing God. Duran is like 60 years old and could kick most peoples butts in da' ring still....Show more

Duran is stronger without a doubt, but again he has had his flaws that were able to be exploited by another great fighter, Sugar Ray Leonard. Although Duran has great speed, I still don't think it can match Pacquiao's so that will play a factor as well. Most of you are talking about the Pacquiao of old who fought Erik Morales, truth be told, that Pacquiao is nothing compared to the Pacquiao of today. Although I don't think Pacquiao can beat him alone, Freddie Roach would find a game plan for Manny and he would follow it to perfection. Then it may even become another "No Mas Fight".

I think Freddie was just being respectful towards Duran as he is to most of the old timers, if Duran was fighting today there is no way that Freddie Roach would just give up and say ''no we can not beat him'' without at least trying....Show more

Look at Duran’s record when he was in his prime and you’ll see he beat the boxers, the punchers, and everything in between. He not only had hands of stone, but a chin of stone. No one wanted to go toe-to-toe with Duran, so they tried to stay away. Roberto was able to walk them down and usually destroy them.

For many years, including Duran’s prime years, our television networks didn’t show bouts involving the lighter weight fighters, including Duran and bantamweight legend Eder Jofre of Brazil. In his prime, Duran was a true beast. We only got to see him later on after he had put on a lot of weight.

Manny has some power, but let’s not use Ricky Hatton as proof of that. He knocked Marquez down three times in their first fight, but Marquez got up. Once Duran knocked an opponent down, he may have gotten up once, but he was finished.

Duran was arguably the best lightweight in history, and that includes Manny Pacquiao....Show more