Floyd Mayweather has named Roberto Duran as the third best fighter of all time, placing him behind himself and Pernell Whittaker. The undefeated champion shared his thoughts on the Fat Joe podcast, praising Duran's achievements across multiple weight classes.
Mayweather's top three list shines a spotlight on Duran, a member of boxing's legendary "Four Kings." This elite group, which also included Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Thomas Hearns, defined an era when the best fighters consistently faced each other.
Known as "Hands of Stone," Duran built an impressive career with 119 fights and championships in four divisions. Many consider him one of the greatest boxers ever, known for his incredible grit and scary power. Duran was particularly dominant as a lightweight.
Mayweather explained his ranking: "I'mma go Roberto Duran … Duran was arguably the greatest lightweight ever and became one of the 'four kings' at welterweight and middleweight."
Among the Four Kings, Duran faced tough competition. He won only one fight in their round-robin series, losing twice to Leonard, dropping a unanimous decision to Hagler, and getting stopped by Hearns in two rounds. It's worth noting that Duran was often the smaller man in these matchups.
Duran's career lasted until he was 50 years old. He only hung up his gloves after a near-fatal car crash in 2002, saying he would have continued fighting otherwise.
Mayweather's respect for Duran's skills and accomplishments shows the lasting impact of the "Hands of Stone" on boxing history. Even years after his retirement, Duran's legacy continues to influence how champions view the sport's greatest competitors.
