Countdown to Greatness- The Epic Battles Between Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvelous Marvin Hagler – How Many Times Did They Clash-
How many times did Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran fight? This is a question that has intrigued boxing fans for decades. The legendary rivalry between these two fighters is one of the most storied in the history of the sport. With their incredible skills, determination, and memorable matches, Leonard and Duran left an indelible mark on boxing history.
Sugar Ray Leonard, born May 17, 1956, in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, was a highly decorated amateur boxer before turning professional. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1976 and was known for his lightning-fast hands and defensive prowess. On the other hand, Roberto Duran, born June 12, 1956, in Panama City, Panama, was a dominant force in the welterweight and lightweight divisions, with a reputation for his powerful punches and aggressive style.
The first fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran took place on November 25, 1980, in Panama City. This historic match, known as the “No Mas” fight, was a turning point in boxing history. The fight lasted 14 rounds, with Duran controlling the action for much of the bout. However, in the 8th round, Leonard landed a series of punches that left Duran in a state of distress. As the referee counted to ten, Duran famously said “No Mas,” which means “No More” in Spanish, and the fight was stopped. This moment became a part of boxing folklore and is often remembered as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.
Their second fight occurred on June 24, 1981, in New York City. This time, Leonard was the one who dominated the fight, winning a unanimous decision. Despite Duran’s best efforts, Leonard’s superior speed and boxing skills were too much for the Panamanian fighter.
The third and final fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran took place on November 25, 1983, in Monte Carlo. This fight was a rematch of the infamous “No Mas” match. The fight was intense, with both fighters giving their all. In the 9th round, Duran landed a powerful punch that sent Leonard staggering. Leonard, however, managed to recover and landed a series of unanswered punches, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Leonard won the fight by technical knockout, ending their storied rivalry.
In summary, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran fought three times in their careers. The first fight, known as the “No Mas” fight, is often regarded as one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. The second fight saw Leonard reclaiming his title, while the third fight ended their rivalry with Leonard securing another victory. The legendary rivalry between these two fighters will forever be etched in the annals of boxing history.
