The GREATEST Fight of ALL TIME?! Roberto Duran vs Sugar Ray Leonard 1 Explained

Books: www.modernmartialartist.com/do... Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray leonard fought for the first time in 1980, kicking off what would become an iconic rivalry in boxing. And while their second fight gets most of the attention, due to it’s bizarre ending, their first encounter remains one of the most entertaining matches in boxing, and one of the best fights amongst the four kings. In fact, Mike Tyson ranks it as the greatest fight of all time.
This was in no small part due to the drastic differences between the two fighters, in both style and personality.
Duran was known as a brutal infighter. He was skillful boxer who’s skills were missed by many, overshadowed by his unrelenting savagery.
Duran used grappling techniques to subdue his opponents, making use of his head, shoulders and chest to wrestle them into corners, and guard manipulations to slip in jarring punches from mere inches away.
You did not defeat his opponents. He demolished them. Duran always went for The Knockout and was angry with himself and the world if he didn't get it.
His Rage of his a controlled him as much as the other way around.
Leonard was the all American charmer with the big smile, who boxed beautifully, and danced to the tune of Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson. He was known for his movement and speed, and his footwork and rhythm were so refined he could use them in lew of a jab to set up powerful blows.
When the fight was made, Duran only had a vague idea of who Sugar Ray Leonard was, but the more he learned of him, the more Duran developed an intense hatred for Sugar Ray.

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

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[@r.a.8407]

Great video as always you should do one on "mike McCallum the body snatcher" very underrated i feel like he would've beat at least 2 of the 4 kings plus it can showcase routes to the body which is a huge part of fighting sports

[@Cystus]

The Modern Martial Artist Keep this style up please. It's perfect balance between he fight and everything else round it.

[@markant9534]

+The Modern Martial Artist Will you do a study on the 'no mas' fight to explain why Duran couldn`t use the same tactics in their rematch? Thanks.

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

David If you want to see a fighter with awesome footwork and skill go check out Oleksandr Usyk!! You won't be disappointed

[@markant9534]

McCallum was a better light middle and middle that the short armed Duran and a better middle than Hearns and Leonard ever were but if he fought either one of those at light middle it would have been awesome.

[@strongforce79]

"They can write anything they want about me, I can't read English anyway" Love it.

[@mitchelyakowec4649]

"This note won't stop me because I can't read."

[@scarfo441]

😂😂😂

[@badvibes2259]

@@scarfo441 I'm imagining you wrighting this with the same face as ur profile pic

[@Frank941]

He is such a savage bad ass! He survived by eating garbage as a kid! Omg!

[@spanklocpimpn7517]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MajinBLJ]

Video starts at *0:00*

[@MiscellaneousDeadWhale]

Lol finally a channel without BS off the bat.

[@MrLogic76]

Gongrats. You get my first youtube like. Ever.

[@youngvalentino43]

Brendan Jackson nah

[@hebinpun1605]

REALLY I didn't KNEW IT

[@harleyzeth]

Hero

[@hamidious]

Holy shit, Duran had a record of 71-1 wins/loss BEFORE the Leonard Fights? ! That means he's sorely underappreciated, he's one of the best in history.

[@RasLesGoldcoastnupe]

The man lost to Hearns Leanoard and Hagler lol

[@DISHTASBRONZE]

@@RasLesGoldcoastnupe while being significantly smaller. He was old and went to a decision with Hagler in his prime, that's insane

[@alfonsorojas5523]

@@RasLesGoldcoastnupe way past his day tho

[@appleapples8047]

@@RasLesGoldcoastnupe and beat sugar ray who "beat" both Hagler and hearns and also beat Iran Barkley who destroyed hearns

[@appleapples8047]

@@RasLesGoldcoastnupe hearns also only beat 1 of the 3 other kings

[@tannerakin1609]

as Duran so elegantly put it, "As we touched gloves for the final round I said F*ck you and continued punching him" HAHAHAHA I love Duran for this

[@joemomma6446]

Lol i love how he never gave a fuck

[@Jpeterson7]

@@joemomma6446 - Duran was a Honey Badger in previous life...

[@OldMastyr3]

Do you also love how he quit like a bitch in the rematch? The Devil, my ass.

[@Jpeterson7]

@@OldMastyr3 - You don't know the story so shut yo ass up.

[@robertonavarro9301]

Durans pops was a mexican american soldier.

[@showtime1235]

This channel is a treasure

[@mcgrowlerproductions3838]

abosultely it is!

[@edgaravila2776]

*National Treasure

[@MiscellaneousDeadWhale]

@@edgaravila2776 world wide treasure*

[@twns1076]

Showtime123 It really is

[@teddytadd7457]

Duran like GGG never paid no mind getting hit. they came right back with their own bag of tricks. When Eric Morales was losing, he was never a quitter , always fought to the very end!

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

I remember Duran saying in his broken English I NO CLOWN LEONARD HE CLOWN Lol

[@pauloskidane2819]

Right, his a quitter not a clown.

[@buentaste]

Paulos Kidane a quitter that came back and kicked ass ...

[@nazgulbarakas5767]

@@buentaste facts 🔥

[@marcoslevya]

@@pauloskidane2819 Imagine calling Duran a quitter. keyboard fighter.

[@vincentrobinson9645]

Marcos Levy 😂🤣😂

[@edwarddavis6214]

Leonard's wife finally stopped crying only cause she had just fainted tf lmao😂🤣😅

[@orcokiwo6703]

I was looking for this comment and/or about to write it myself 😁😁😁👍👍

[@jlo4259]

Some say she is still on the ground.

[@hellotheremyolfriend]

women 🤣

[@Aerojet01]

@POOR PIRANO Talking about someone' s wife on the internet is bitchy regardless of who the person is.

[@redoz9768]

She was crying because she remembered Duran's promise.

[@leonb5219]

Roberto Duran is one of if not THE absolute finest and most skilled technicians to ever put on a pair of gloves.

[@patjenkins1308]

All time 135 lb King

[@julz19]

Pac or floyd will school both of these fighters

[@leonb5219]

@@julz19 YDKSAB.

[@julz19]

@@leonb5219 and your blinded by nostalgia

[@samlewis4799]

Dullahan I agree with you about Floyd but idk about manny I think Duran would bully many and Leonard to good of a boxer for many but Floyd would give them a run with his speed and accuracy and defensive wizardry

[@jonathanjames29]

Roberto Duran was a genius boxer in the ring. Many people don't realize that they were only 5 years apart (Duran being 5 years older). So when this fight occurred, Duran was 30 years old with over 70 fights, while Leonard was 25 years old with only over 20 fights. So Duran had 5 years and nearly 50 fights on Leonard. Not to mention the fact that Duran was a brilliant boxer. I haven't yet watched this whole video, so I may be repeating some things already said, so if that is the case, I apologize. But again, I wanted to give my 2 cents. Leonard was younger, faster, more athletic, etc. But Duran (even though he was naturally smaller than Leonard), was an experienced and a very technically sound boxer. His boxing skills were many times overlooked because of the barbaric and brutal fighting style he exhibited. How many times do you see a little guy knock the brains out of so many people? So I think Leonard's plan, coming into the fight, was to out-box Duran by using his footwork to dance around the ring (and pretty much do what he did in the rematch). But, I think Leonard got out-smarted. I think Duran made Leonard fight the type of fight he wanted. So the plan that Leonard put together was thrown out of the window after Duran out-witted him, and making Leonard fight a flat footed, heavyweight style punching contest. This is a type of fight that Leonard could not win against Duran. Duran had knocked out more people than Leonard had even fought. And again, many people didn't recognize Duran's beautiful boxing skills because of this. Leonard underestimated a genius boxer, and paid for it!!

[@blazer4715]

well said, Duran was much better as a boxer than he or the public realized, plus he was in tip top shape, did not have to lose weight rapidly as the rematch (The table could not be better set for Leonard, not his fault Duran was not at his best) Having known this Leonard knew better than to give Duran a rematch until Roberto was at least 40

[@saintdockery5740]

That's the difference between amauter and early pros . basically one fighter would develop against low-level Pros. Cab drivers so on so forth very quick fights rapid getting like one fight a month. VS1 would develop during the amateur circuit same level of competition but one gets paid and other isn't. Example vasyl lomachenko had like 400 amateur fights. And didn't turn pro until he was 25 I think. Vs Canelo Alvarez who has 40 plus Pro fights but maybe 15 of those are legit competition for him. Like you turn pro at 16 I think.

[@IMTHATN1NJA]

Jonathan James you literally said everything Robert said in the movie

[@renzopeterson153]

Ray was 24 and Roberto was 29, but point taken.

[@renzopeterson153]

I'd go even further and say that Duran had a thicker frame and structure than Leonard. This is how he was able to go up in weight without much issue. People also assume that Duran jumped straight from Lightweight to Leonard. Duran had a brief run at 147, and beat a an underrated great fighter in Carlos Palomino at 147.

[@daTruChosen]

Roberto Duran was a MONSTER. Brilliant fighter.

[@juanescobedo9188]

Too bad he sold out in the 2nd fight.Broke my heart,but that`s professional boxing for you."Only in America"Don King,used to say.I quit following box because of that fight.

[@Vaga-Bard]

@@juanescobedo9188 I was wondering how it went. I take it it was a sonny liston vs Ali 2?

[@juanescobedo9188]

@@Vaga-Bard It was obvious,at least to us,who had watched the first fight.Duran had shown that he was the better of the 2,i,for one,thought he was gonna come out ready,instead he started acting like he didn`t wanna throw any punches and all of a sudden...waved his arms and gave up,he wasn`t hurt or anything...it was a farse..

[@yaboyvickk5635]

@@juanescobedo9188 are u trolling or what? Look at walters vs lomachenko.. walters was undefeated, a champion, and hella knockouts.. same situation dude was gettn fucking embarrassed in the ring by somebody who was better in every aspect and he just said fuck it I'm done, no injury, no cut nothin.. just a quitter... pussy shit

[@justsaynrush9689]

@@juanescobedo9188 I was told in early 1980 that #1 Duran would beat Leonard, And #2 Leonard being the biggest money maker in boxing since Ali Would not be allowed to lose 2 fights to another fighter not from this country. So I bet Duran in fight 1 And Leonard in fight 2 an did very well. Just sayin.

[@paulcimino1974]

Arguably one of the best boxing matches ever

[@enos604]

Not arguably its definitely

[@demkikun7783]

@@enos604 thrilla in manila is better in my opinion

[@nicklasandersson5606]

Agreed.the intensity in this one is unmatched.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Roberto Duran vs Sugar Ray Leonard, Fight of the century, Larry Holmes vs Kent Norton

[@jacobrojas8156]

And upset

[@realcane9908]

After 70 fights and against a physically faster and bigger opponent what a legend

[@godmelanin2676]

Bro.....you are killing this series. Keep it up man.

[@kingmaster1241]

@@theredninja2817 You had a fofty dofty and when you sniffed your poo you ate like nom nom nom hehehehhehehehehe

[@joemuma3920]

Hehe

[@norberto95]

Wooaaa.... Finally someone that admits that Leonard failed his signature (roll up) hook to Duran.

[@SuperTruthful]

you couldn't see that for yourself?

[@Vaga-Bard]

@@SuperTruthful that isn't what he said.

[@depaola63]

I am now 56 and remember this so well !! I never heard about Roberto clocking Ray's brother at the end of the fight !! Classic !!

[@wilsonstone935]

I'm same age and saw it closed circuit at the Tennessee theatre in Nashville June 20th 1980 and went nuts, I didn't know bout the brother thing either

[@pimentoso]

Great video!... As a Panamanian, I'm so proud and grateful we've had a champion like Duran, that I watched him fight (I was 7 years old when this fight took place), and that he had the chance to retire with health. He is our hero, a living legend, a national treasury. The best lightweight ever, the best latin american boxer ever, and surely one of the top 10 greatest boxers of all time. He brought so much joy to our country... So many great fights!... He had dark moments, but he never stopped believing in himself, and was able to achieve great comebacks... One of the 'Fabulous Four' boxing kings of the 80's decade... He only could defeat one of them, but look who was he: Sugar Ray Leonard in his prime!... and he was the oldest and smallest one of them all!... Greetings from Panama!

[@Gdb987]

Well, think about it like this he moved up in weight fighting the bigger competition & held his own. If they went down to his natural weight no one would have beaten him

[@emilianodejesusperezsolano6393]

Very beloved fighter here in Mexico too. Brilliant, brutal and viscious.

[@psalmerperena4120]

Duran was also the only Fabulous Four king that defeated Leonard. Although Leonard should've lost to Hearns in their rematch but they made it a draw.

[@AlexM-uq3cm]

I’m from Mexico hes def better than Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar de la Hoya but Canelo idk

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Many of us in the USA loved him too. One of the best champions ever.

[@karlfarahi6326]

You made 22 minutes feel like 5 minuets. This video was so exhilarating!

[@loshydoshy]

Part 2 PLEASE

[@thejeff5539]

Monte Lashaun Yes!!!

[@leeanderson4616]

Monte I told u that boy the goat

[@mshabazz96ms]

Need

[@montym65]

I'm still waiting

[@darthclone7]

not even worth it.. the 2nd fight Leonard knew he can beat him as stated in the documetary.. Leonard knew Duran was busy partying and fatting himself up thats why he wanted the rematch as soon as possible

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

I was a boy in Panama and it was unforgettable. The entire city spilled out onto the streets- people dancing and singing all night. Thousands of cars lined the roads in an impromptu parade; passengers hanging mostly outside their cars and even dancing on the hood. I actually cried because I loved SRL and thought he was being executed in the ring. Hey, I was only 10. Thanks to Leonard and Duran for the thrills and the memories. My heroes.

[@luisbohorquez7096]

😊👍👍👍😁👍🇺🇲🥊😊🍺🇵🇦

[@flameracer93]

I wish Durran had kept his fitness up for the second fight.

[@dubongros3108]

I wish Duran had done what Ray would have done... No rematch ! ( ask Marvin Hagler for that )

[@Bob-eo6uh]

I wish Leonard stuck to his style instead of trying to brawl the first fight

[@primereview9727]

ArchAingeal yeah a Don King special, then when it all went wrong “it’s not my fault” he only made a fighter loose near 50lbs in a month and a half, how could that affect his performance and stamina???

[@mshklh2099]

He had no interests to fight again, he already secured his objective

[@The_PainofBeingAMan]

@@Bob-eo6uh Did you watch this video? Brawling is what saved Ray from getting dominated.

[@SlightChanceOfRaine887]

You put so much effort into these videos, analyzing every move carefully and even every moment before the fight. I know that everyone says this about their favorite YT channel but you deserve more subs

[@GOPA90]

Kuchi Kopi Agreed.

[@hak33m41]

Like, 500,000 more.

[@matheusarruda6462]

If you ask me, this was Roberto "The Hands of Stone" Durán's finest hour. Pure mindgames and sheer brutality coming together like they never did before or after for Durán. His darkest hour I view as a tie between "No Más" in the second bout and the absolute annihilation Thomas "Hitman" Hearns brought upon him, which I'm somewhat surprised Durán even managed to survive given how thoroughly Hearns destroyed him in every way.

[@LangJones]

Well said.

[@chocolatethunder5549]

The Palomino fight was his finest hr.

[@leonb5219]

Duran is maybe the greatest to ever lace them up.

[@TainoMantis]

Duran definitely showed TRUE fighting grit. He was actually warned by the WBA not to fight Hearns for that Jr. Middleweight title, but Duran was looking to get paid (as opposed to fighting mandatory, Mike McCallum), and was stripped before getting KO'd by Hearns. What's more, as a smaller, older fighter (compared to the larger, younger Leonard & Hearns) he fought Hagler during Hagler's 1980-1986 KO run, and was the only one to go all 15 rounds. Hearns was KO'd by Hagler, and Leonard retired and waited for Hagler's quickness/foot speed to deteriorate. The best version of Roberto Duran I've ever seen was the version that existed between the 2nd Esteban De Jesus fight and the 3rd Esteban De Jesus fight down at Lightweight. That Duran was quicker, more flexible, and possessed all the skills he displayed for the Leonard 1 fight.

[@bflo1000]

That was also great.

[@pacieropari4309]

This was a Duran's masterpiece. He beat Leonard in his prime and with only one fight at 147 pounds (if I am correct). He was stronger and faster through the whole fight. Leonard was supposed to be the fastest boxer of his era, but in this fight he missed so many punches due to Roberto's ring IQ. Kudos to Leonard he went toe to toe with Duran and lasted 15 rounds. No wonders he got a brilliant career after this fight. No other boxer, not even Hagler, would have tested him like Duran in the first fight. Duran was simply clinical and relentless.

[@rush__man]

The 70's was a time when I would rush to Walgreens when Ring Magazine came out each month and to check TV Guide to see when Duran would defend next on CBS Sports Spectacular. Thats the only way back then to follow Duran and I followed him every step of the way watching as many of his fights live that I could. When this fight was signed I was finally old enough to buy my own ticket to the closed circuit event. This breakdown brings me back as if I am watching the fight again with a completely new perspective. Amazing analysis! As another poster said earlier if you equal out Duran's age and weight (Duran was best at 135) these other fighters wouldn't stand a chance.

[@jethronb]

One of the best fights ever,I say both fighters fought their best in this fight win or lose..Going up 2 weight classes you can never take that away from Duran

[@slicksouthpaw]

jethro66 in my mind, this is one of the Greatest Fights not talked about. This bout is right up there with Holmes/Norton

[@JAIBRASKYRIM]

four weight classes

[@soumyabhattacharjee6442]

moral of the story: listen to cus d'amato

[@tonyb9735]

Cus D'Amato made GOATs.

[@onepoundswallowtwopoundcoc3115]

Have you seen him with Ali...😆🤣. It was priceless. "I'm an oldman".

[@angelmurillo3476]

Listen lmao

[@vikashloitongbam2811]

He told Ali to his face that Frazier will beat him, before the first fight!! And Frazier did!!

[@soumyabhattacharjee6442]

@@vikashloitongbam2811 yes. There's a beautiful video of that.

[@arthurjamesaltmann729]

Duran's style was original. Most fighters resemble someone else. Sugar Ray was a pale imitation of the original Sugar Ray and Ali. Duran? Duran was like Duran...

[@minkregal8965]

I don't know about that, sugar ray was more of a conventional and overall better boxer than ali who never threw a body shot ever and had poor tradional defensive skills and he was more polished than ray robinson

[@drah9955]

@@minkregal8965...No comparison..Robinson was the greatest welterweight, he fought brilliantly backing up...Robie was a masterful fighter, Ray was great too but in a different way..Look at Robie & Rays fights....Appreciate both

[@minkregal8965]

@@drah9955 well to me Leonard was a better fighter in his prime and fought better competition, robinson was great for his time and he never met a fighter like Leonard, he mainly fought iron tough brawlers who he could outbox

[@drah9955]

@@minkregal8965... Ray punches would not have an effect on Robie, Robie would of destroyed Ray...Robie was fast & got in there to fight...Look at youtube & see for urself..NO CAMPARISON...Robie fought superior fighters, wt r u talking about, look at the fight w/Randy Turpin

[@minkregal8965]

@@drah9955 like i said earlier robinson fought great BRAWLERS not great fighters he was great brawler and boxer as well was Leonard and robinson was not much bigger than ray he would be considered a jr middleweight today if he moved up he was a natural welterweight like Leonard so that whole Leonard wouldn't hurt robinson argument is bs

[@thefabulous4]

this is why duran is my all time favorite!

[@christianforbes6579]

No other channel gives such insight, has such mastery over the subject, and is as compelling as this one. Truly, this is what KZbin was meant for. Love seeing the fights I watched with my dad again, with masterful commentary.

[@Dottor_J]

What a fanrastic era for boxing, Duran was in perfect shape unlike he was in the rematch and SRL knew when to pick a fight. Hagler-Duran next please!!

[@raymaster972]

The way Duran detonates on his punches is pretty crazy. I love that relentless attack mentality he has.

[@jameslong9921]

I just love how Duran looks like the bad guy in a Western, I saw that fight as a kid on the box, sublime pugilism.

[@alexcontreras8247]

The best fight I have ever seen. I have always been a Leonard fan. This was the first time he unleashed his brutal side in the ring. He made a mistake in his strategy but it made for an amazing FIGHT! Great video!

[@Jack115.]

What I love about these breakdowns is that it always highlights both fighters skills, mentality and their heart in the ring. Like Cus D’amato said, boxing is 70% emotion and mental fitness, and 30% conditioning.

[@Hearsticles]

Man, Duran was a killer. And Sugar Ray was pure guts. He probably could've won on points if he would've backed up and boxed but he just stood in there and took the pain to prove something to Duran, to all the naysayers, and most importantly to himself. That's courage right there -- the warrior mentality.

[@vistarecords4930]

I always knew how tough Duran was, and I knew he had great power for his weight class, but I didn't know he was THIS skilled. Like Leonard, I fell for the psychological warfare Duran engaged in and dismissed him as a thug. I suspect he fooled a lot of people that way.

[@Scrootumm]

So much respect to you that you acknowledge Durans boxing ability and defence. To be able to slip punches near as good as el radar Benitez is no small feature and one of many factors that SRL lost the first fight. He wasn't prepared for the boxer Duran

[@Scrootumm]

I wouldn't say that, on the contrary i would say a whole lot black people hold Duran on top, example both Floyd and Roger Mayweather has praised Duran and Floyd has Duran as number 2 GOAT on his list. That has to show for something

[@briancamilli8873]

This is an amazing accomplishment for Duran. Lets remember Duran was a lightweight and one of the greatest of all time at that division. After this fight Duran was on the decline and stayed in the welterweight division and even went up to middleweight for the big money against Hagler and Hearns.

[@justsaynrush9689]

If I remember correctly Duran was the first of all the welterweights to have the balls to step in the ring with THE GREAT Hagler. Roberto had some balls and would fight anyone.

[@donavonhoward114]

@@justsaynrush9689 Not only did Duran fight Hagler who was a natural Middleweight, but he gave Hagler all he could handle, and didn't get knocked out. During that period in boxing, Hagler had been on a killing spree and succeeding at knocking out almost every opponent he faced after losing the championship bout to Antuofermo on a bad decision. I love how at the end of that fight, Duran stares down Hagler as if he wants to go another 15 rounds. Of course Hagler was busy celebrating, but that fight really showed that Duran feared nobody. I know Hearns knocked Duran out in brutal fashion (the reach difference between the two was so huge in that fight), and Duran had a few lackluster bouts here and there when he wasn't in tip top shape, but the way he schooled Moore, and then went on to defeat Iran Barkley who were both in their prime, that was like a cherry on top of a fully decorated wedding cake. Both of those guys were never the same after losing to Duran. It's like he took a part of their souls or something. Young cats should never screw with the OG's no matter how old they are.

[@YesIcompletelyagreewithyouHowe]

Watching the skill of guys like this is incredible... dodging lightning fast punches by inches time after time and returning fire with their own punches. Amazing, man.

[@KEICRUMBIE]

This is one of the greatest fights I've ever seen.

[@garrison6863]

One of Duran's best fights. He made Leonard fight his fight. And Duran was in great shape. What was so impressive was that Duran would beat Leonard to the punch often and when he did not, he would counter so effectively.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Leonard proved something

[@mateom1813]

Years later Leonard confesed he had planed with his team to arrange the second fight just a few months after the first fight investing a large amount of money to lure Duran's management because he knew Duran was partying hard and gained weight like crazy, according to Leonard himself he "didn't want to fight a Duran in his prime". Sadly Duran's team got lured by the money and that forced him lose an insane amount of weight in a lapse shorter than two months. Anyone who has ever been into a gym know how stranding losing weight is to one's body, specially in such a short amount of time. Leonard literally bought his belt back.

[@tmt2058]

Smart

[@rubenbarrera7338]

Sounds about right. Lol

[@mizofan]

Yes, Duran's poor condition was ignored by the media and many fans. Leonard was canny too in when he chose to fight Hagler. But with Hearns those 4 made for an unforgettable period of rivalry

[@Blood-hound]

What happen when he fought hern? 🤣👊🏾

[@8176morgan]

Durand was stupid. He just barely beat Sugar Ray Leonard in their classic first fight by a mixed decision. He should have known that Sugar Ray was going to train very hard and get just a little bit better in order to avenge his only loss. And what did Roberto do? He partied like it was 1999.

[@sugarsean5866]

Leonard learned so much form that fight

[@JSpanishFyness]

Best part is how this fight let us know how powerful and manipulative the mind can be in sports. Thank you for this video and explaining to us how much of a Savage Roberto Duran was

[@romainlavoie1526]

To this day - this remains one the key events ever held in the Montreal Olympic Stadium. There was more then 45,000 fight fans that night and it was pure magic. Sugar Ray had selected Montreal because 4 years earlier he had won Olympic Gold in the beautiful city of Montreal. But on that night Roberto Duran was the better man.

[@ReemusBoxing]

One of my fave fights!

[@slimreaper2240]

Reemus Boxing I am a huge fan of your vids man people like you make fighting that more interesting with your great breakdowns. Keep it up brother.

[@LeoSRL300]

Mark Ant Duran didn't train properly, and he also ate a lot of stuff before the fight.

[@crieverytim]

"Fave" fights.

[@irvinmorales1409]

@@markant9534 Modern Martial Artist made a second video on why Duran wasn't able to do everything here.

[@markant9534]

@@irvinmorales1409 Thanks, I have watched it, brilliant.

[@Grosefrmdabx]

This is the finest boxing match I've ever watched.

[@rubendrakkar]

the best fight I have ever seen

[@willbuck7952]

I was there-Duran was a beast and should have knocked Sugar out-. From round 5 Sugar didn't land many punches, but he did a flurry of punches. Duran won this one hands down. Sugar showed some heart though

[@marcofthebeast4153]

This is one of my favorite fights of all-time. The way Duran rolled punches are incredible to watch. It was a perfect display against Leonard.Thanks, great breakdown!

[@johnnyu1989]

This guy is a genius. Can't wait to see Leonard-Duran 2 explained.

[@brunoquintana7242]

This was Duran's greatest fight ever! The only one to defeat Leonard during his prime. Greatest lightweight ever.

[@kyledamron]

Big fan of duran. I love him, and sugar ray Leonard, im also a big tyson fan. These fights always entertain me

[@triggerfish6619]

I saw this fight on t.v. Damn..Duran was so fast but still had to throw 3 punches to get in one..but they were devastating. Leonard had never been hit so much or so hard to the body ever. Duran was/is spectacularly great. What touched me the most was his kindness, compassion and humanity when he went to see DeJesus on his death bed. That my friends is a true champion.

[@dinkys]

Been watching your videos for a long time and just wanna say how much I appreciate them. Feel like you are getting better and better with every one. Thanks for the time and effort you put into these

[@dukeoversteer]

This is what I love about boxing. Its not just the fighting in the ring but also the personalities outside the ring that make a great story.

[@adamsasso1]

That was truly a fantastic recap of one of my favorite fights ever. Bravo!

[@themrkoxi8334]

This is one of my favorite fight too.Great work man, can we have a part 2.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Wow. What a great analysis by #TheModernMartialArtis to this epic fight/bout. Duran was a special fighter & it is great to learn that Sugar Ray paid him that respect. Thanks for posting.

[@rickpineda5632]

Thank you so much for uploading this vd. I never saw a break-down/analysis of this epic war, so well detailed with accurate comments. Well done

[@Joangelo12345]

I absolutely love this channel. We need a part 2!!!

[@Yippee-ki-yay_mo-fcker]

Beautiful break down, of one of the best, boxing fights. Thank you, for your skills and time.

[@wolfo11]

Your breakdowns of these fights are something else. Usually my attention wavers from watching more than 10 minutes of a video. But somehow you manage to deliver information so fluidly!

[@thediaz07]

2 of the best ever fighting in their primes... insanely satisfying and top 10 matches of all time.

[@gennehring1]

Such a great video. Just found your channel and love your fight breakdowns. Extremely knowledgeable and and easily understood. Thank you for posting and keep up the good work.

[@denisdaly1708]

Duran was fighting at at least one weight division him in fighting Leonard. Duran was also passed his peak as well. Great analysis and commentary.

[@michaelh.2041]

The Modern Martial Artist is an amazing, amazing gift to fight fans. Thank you so much. I loved this fight. (I was much in agreement with Roberto Duran--always felt Leonard was charmed, privileged, entitled; that he climbed through the ropes with about a 10-point head start with the judges; that you really had to beat him overwhelmingly to win a decision.) All I remembered from watching this fight at the time, though, was that it was a glorious brawl, and Duran just manhandled Leonard. What I never caught at the time--and The Modern Martial Artist lays this out clearly--is how amazing Duran's defense was against one of the quickest boxers in the game. Imagine if Duran had--not necessarily Hearns's height and reach, but--something more like Hagler's and Leonard's. And imagine if he'd been Leonard's age--a couple years younger than Hagler and a couple years older than Hearns--instead of being three years older than Hagler. (I know I'm just being silly, but hell, this is boxing, and we love to mix and match and transport fighters across time and weight divisions.) Really, Duran's prime was just about past as Hagler, Leonard, and Hearns were hitting their stride. He's the odd man out in the "Four Kings," in terms of age and size. It's a credit to his skills, ring intelligence, and determination that he gets associated with the other three, even though he was getting old, slowing down, getting pudgy, and losing interest.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

GTFOH...that's such gross disrespect to Leonard. Leonard fought his ass off in this fight.

[@jerryleemelton1860]

I just discovered your channel and man, I loooove your commentary on boxing matches. You bring everything alive and make me appreciate the action on such a deep level.

[@darenjones8766]

Your so good at explaining everything your videos are literally just free lessons on boxing

[@lemankurtz8950]

One of my all-time favorite fights. Duran was so effective in that fight. Leonard fought VALIANTLY.... somewhat surprisingly. I think this version of Duran would have avoided the KO against Tommy. Edit: Or I could be wrong.....looking at them....Duran was a way smaller guy than Tommy....maybe Tommy was kryptonite for him. I wonder if he trained for that one.

[@Shadowyurix]

Love those fight breakdowns so much im going back to watch older ones, keep em up :D

[@fuyu5979]

Just saw leonard duran 1. Enjoyed your in depth technical analysis of that fight! Keep presenting more fight analysis of other fights. Thanks

[@Joellikestobox]

Me seeing Duran hit the speed bag the way he did kicked of my love and want to get into boxing his swagger was like no other

[@jacobhartmann1050]

He had it ALL. The total package- a special fighter indeed!

[@fsrsaa]

Duran was the superior fighter. Leonard was no slouch though. Epic fight.

[@periechontology]

Until Leonard stopped him in the next fight.

[@benjafranklin5996]

@@periechontology Duran was still fighting 2 weight classes above his own

[@istartedajoke1704]

periechontology didn’t really stop him..Duran just didn’t feel like fighting .dontoyr research dude..a stoppage is when the ref stops the fight ,Duran didn’t feel like being there so he walked off..he wasn’t dazed or anything he just stopped fighting

[@husain4718]

@@periechontology you know that Duran was forced to fight Leonard the 2nd fight. He only had 75 days to lose 35 Ibs. He was partying to much. But I am not taking anything away from Leonard. He made Duran Quit.

[@D2Kprime]

"That night?" Absolutely.

[@billpryor8764]

Finest breakdown I’ve seen or read about this glorious fight

[@chieftech714]

When I watched this fight, I had no question that duran beat leonard. He got sucked into duran's game plan. but it wasn't over. think rocky 3.

[@targaflorio3239]

What an amazing fight. And what a war. Two true titans. Brilliant breakdown as well. Respect to both. This is boxing at its best.

[@joshforde698]

Love these videos, you're doing great work. Sent the one on Duran-Barkley to a kid I know who is national amateur youth champion, said him and his dad watched it together (his dad is his coach) and they learned a lot.

[@alextremo7853]

David you got a lot of skill analyzing things from a simple but unique & deep perspective. You are my go to guy when I want to learn more about boxing. I hope you keep making these videos bro. Your keeping boxing alive your a LEGEND

[@bearxbunny1835]

I love your breakdowns man, you are fantastic at what you do!!! Keep 'em coming!!!

[@twinscoupe]

This shit is why I love boxing

[@2serveand2protect]

Congratulations for your channel, mate! - very good presentation!...seriously it is extremely entertaining!...

[@aseemprakash4761]

I just love your commentary. Do more boxing match breakdowns.

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Love these videos. Great breakdown of each of yr fighter's styles and the fights themselves

[@Manchester-wp7gr]

Duran is my favourite fighter along with Mike Tyson but I really like Ray Leonard a lot. Leonard was a beautiful boxer that could box at range and win on points against pretty much anyone. He could also go toe to toe with his opponents as well, which is another reason why I respect him a lot because he was game enough to stand there and trade with you and have it out with you for a good few rounds just to show you that he ain’t no sucker. But boy could the sugar man have a tear up when you challenged him, he was a ice cold killer! #IHadThatIceInMe #HandsOfStone #KidDynamite #80’s

[@neilo23]

Fantastic, fascinating video. Duran was a beautiful, brutal beast and still has a wicked glint in his eye. This fight alone is a reason to love boxing.

[@millennialfalcon1547]

No other channel has taught me so much about boxing in such an entertaining fashion. You have a tremendous talent

[@CandylandProd]

I keep rewatching this, it's so good

[@justas423]

Duran's strategy of pushing Leonard to the ropes not only took away Leonard's movement, but also his reach advantage by stopping him from punch at all, while Duran's small size let him beat Leonard without fear of counters.

[@n.o.m4385]

all of your videos are like watching a movie, you give the background first then analyze the current match, I am sure a lot of pro fighters and coaches follow this channel, its like watching a movie, keep up tge good work

[@lennyjones9753]

Fantastic breakdown! Can't wait to watch some of the others

[@Snake_holiday]

easily my favourite fight of all time. thank you for making this

[@9thBadGuy]

😍😍😍flawless as always. Youre one of the best

[@deadarmd]

Duran has some incredible head movement.

[@abdulsmith9298]

You got a new subscriber in me. I love your breakdowns of all the fighters and their techniques

[@PriMaLSunrise]

These videos gave me a new appreciation for boxing. Thank you

[@jacobjones5269]

I watch and rewatch Duran’s fights all the time, marveling at his skill and intelligence.. And the savagery.. But it’s the skill and intelligence used to unleash that savagery that is fascinating.. I’ve seen Duran duck so many hooks that the other guy stops throwing them.. Because once he starts timing the head movement, countering off of it comes next.. And then you’ve stepped into his office, and good luck..

[@AmanFit]

Man that's the craziest fight I've ever seen 😍😍😍😍

[@vincentrobinson9645]

A very clear, and articulated commentary of this fight !!!! Job well done !!!

[@tomnekuda3818]

As usual, a really great analysis of the fight and the tactics behind it.