Dream fight 1: Julio Cesar Chavez v Roberto Duran (140 pounds)

I see Duran taking a decision (9-4-2) despite being hurt in round 4

Robert Duran and JCC are very similar fighters but I think Duran is better just by a bit in everyway. He wins a close UD in a FOTD candidate. They are both formidable body punchers and love to brawl

Would be best at 135lbs where both gave their best performances, Chavez signature performance was his demolition job of Rosario while Durans were against De Jesus.

Duran does everything Chavez does but that little bit better, both iron chinned so a knock out is unlikely although Duran may force a stoppage late on but would be on the way to a comfortable points win.

Cracking matchup but I am with Ghosty on this one. As much as I loved and grew up watching JCC, Duran is, in my opinion, just that bit better in every department and would take it on UD. It is no reflection on Chavez, whom I consider the best Mexican fighter of all time, more a appreciation of just how good Duran was.

I didn't put it at 135 as thought Duran would be favoured by more.

Not sure weight would make much difference, Duran if anything was probably the bigger of the two so a higher weight would favour him slightly more

Duran was underrated a technical fighter, JCC although being a favourite gets outclassed to the tune of 117-111 IMO

Would be fun though, but Chavez would be near enough out on his feet of it by the end

And my scoreline is being generous to JCC btw

That would be a fin fight to watch. Not much fun for the fighters. It will be brutal and short with Duran standing over a prone JCC when the dust settles.

Were the fight at 135 where JCC would be a little more evenly matched with Duran in terms of size it would go the distance with Duran winning a comfortable but highly competitive UD.

Each round would be a brawl with Duran winning rounds because he is better in every department that JCC.

I'm with the majority on this one. Duran to ' out Chavez ' Chavez and take a decision.

On a side note, I always thought that lightweight showdowns pitting Duran and Chavez up against Oscar ' Battling ' Nelson at lightweight would make for two of the greatest fantasy match ups in history. Not for the faint hearted, methinks.

Chavez to roll him like a drunk.

Hurts me to say it but Duran was a smarter fighter than Julio...subtle moves to lure a guy in and counter....Or forcing a brawl against non-willing brawler...

However peak Julio was more durable than any fighter bar Hagler at world level I've seen... and I think 15 rounds would suit him better...Can't see Duran hurting him if Rosario couldn't and he might be able to take control late in the fight and force a decision over 15......

I don't see Duran winning a brawl but he could do a Duran-Hagler taking a step in and luring chavez in to the blender (popular word lately)...


It's a hard one to call Duran struggled with good boxers....who were better than Chavez..Chavez achievements were generally based on his resilience, workrate, stamina and body work.....Similar in a way to Duran....

I'll say Duran over 12.....Chavez over 15...

Frankie Randall decked him al LWW. LWW would suit Duran better.

Sonny Banks decked Ali so what....

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:Sonny Banks decked Ali so what....

The point is, no boxer is infallible. JCC had a very good chin. Duran was a serious puncher. Up close and personal, anything could happen.

Absolutely but considering Duran tasted canvas at 135 vs Dejesus....

not sure 140 is such an advantage..

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:Absolutely but considering Duran tasted canvas at 135 vs Dejesus....

not sure 140 is such an advantage..

I think it would be. JCC was best at LW. He wasn't as effective at 140 imo.

I see Duran stopping him on his feet very late.

This fight would be best at LW imo. Duran could do everything that Chavez could do but better. Both excellent body punchers and absolutely ferocious and brutal at times. Duran was a bit more technically gifted than Chavez and wouldn't get caught as much as the Mexican. Duran to win by a late stoppage imo.

Duran was better and imo is the most underrated out of the 80's fighters, he was just too small for Hearns, Hagler. Beats Chavez though, by stoppage.