Armstrong vs. Duran @ 140

[them_apples]

Furthermore, while this is a very tough matchup between 2 of the best ever in this weight class (maybe the best?) I think what it really comes down to in a 15 rounder is heart and conditioning - and for me this is an area Armstrong takes. He’s a tougher man - who worked harder - was more dedicated and more dependable in most scenarios. Duran was no slouch in the conditioning department at LW but he always got by on talent in some aspects. He’s like a brawler version of Ray Robinson - he’s got the whole leverage and balance thing figured out. All that goes out the window when the pace is too hard for too long though!

[JAB5239]

The thing is, Armstrong stands in a league of his own when compared to any lightweight Duran ever faced. Based on his record, accomplishments, and unique style, Armstrong is clearly a step above. He was renowned for his incredible durabilityâÂÂboth physically and mentallyâÂÂboasting an iron chin and an unbreakable will. At his peak, he was said to run 20 miles a day in camp and had an astonishingly low resting heart rate, a testament to his unmatched conditioning.


ArmstrongâÂÂs style was relentless. He smothered opponents, slipped and rode punches with precision, and arguably did so as effectively as, if not better than, Duran. Where Duran holds an edge is in punching power, which likely comes down to their body mechanics. Armstrong, with his shorter legs and powerful upper body, was naturally off-balance and built for close-range combat, thriving in those inside exchanges. Duran, on the other hand, had a natural balance and leverage that allowed him to generate more precise, powerful punches.


However, where Duran would struggle is in preventing Armstrong from engaging in his preferred inside fight. While Duran was an excellent inside fighter, Armstrong was simply better and vastly more experienced in that style of combat. I doubt Duran would be able to hurt Armstrong significantly enough to shift the tide. For a prime example of ArmstrongâÂÂs resilience, look at his face after 15 grueling rounds against Fritzie Zivic. ItâÂÂs a testament to the kind of firepower Armstrong was willingâÂÂand ableâÂÂto endure while maintaining his relentless pace.
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Zivic beat him twice. You make a good argument, but I think Duran is a fair shake better than Zivic. Tough fight to call either way.

[them_apples]

Zivic beat him twice. You make a good argument, but I think Duran is a fair shake better than Zivic. Tough fight to call either way.

At welter all things considered do you think Duran beats Zivic in 3 fights? Robinson mom was crying about the fact that Ray had to face him. He was a dirty experienced fighter with incredible toughness.

should also be noted it was Armstrong 4th jump in weight I believe when he tackled Zivic and he did register a win over him as well.

Just had a quick scan over Zivic record this guy fought some seriously steep competiton. He’s a perfect example of an old school fighter. This guy would be a brutal fight for anyone and was.

[Dr. Z]

It is a great match up. It might come down to who wants it more.

[Bundana]

At welter all things considered do you think Duran beats Zivic in 3 fights? Robinson mom was crying about the fact that Ray had to face him. He was a dirty experienced fighter with incredible toughness.

should also be noted it was Armstrong 4th jump in weight I believe when he tackled Zivic and he did register a win over him as well.

Just had a quick scan over Zivic record this guy fought some seriously steep competiton. Heâs a perfect example of an old school fighter. This guy would be a brutal fight for anyone and was.

Indeed he did! He was certainly a tough cookie, and would be a hard fight for anyone.

However, he did lose 65 times - and not always to ranked opponents. I would certainly pick Duran to win at least 1 out of 3 against him!

[Mr Mitts]

Duran does not get due respect from all quarters. Someone on these forums recently told me there are three lightweights fighting right now all of whom would beat prime Duran. I think they were Loma, Stevenson and Tank. This is the intellectual equivalent of twerking. Three essentially unproven guys by yesteryear's reasonable standards. And what if you actually like the person who said something so dumb?

[them_apples]

Indeed he did! He was certainly a tough cookie, and would be a hard fight for anyone.

However, he did lose 65 times - and not always to ranked opponents. I would certainly pick Duran to win at least 1 out of 3 against him!

Holyfield damn near lost a quarter of his fights and he was the best HW of the 90s. Reason being he fought the best guys most frequently.

this isn’t the be all end all, but it works towards a simple statement about ones losses

[them_apples]

Duran does not get due respect from all quarters. Someone on these forums recently told me there are three lightweights fighting right now all of whom would beat prime Duran. I think they were Loma, Stevenson and Tank. This is the intellectual equivalent of twerking. Three essentially unproven guys by yesteryear's reasonable standards. And what if you actually like the person who said something so dumb?

duran crushes all 3 of those guys. Maybe the same night (no joking)

[GhostofDempsey]

I don't see a path to victory against Duran from 135 - 147. Duran had very underrated defensive skills and I think Armstrong would be eating a lot of uppercuts and hooks. Duran is a master at setting up his punches with combinations to the body and head. He did it brilliantly against a stronger and much faster prime Leonard. It's not an easy fight for Duran, he'd have his hands full to the final bell but I think he wins a UD.

[Dr. Z]

duran crushes all 3 of those guys. Maybe the same night (no joking)

Who did Duran beat at 145 or 140 that makes you think he would?