Bongani Siqoko Boxing
Legendary champion Roberto Duran knows very well that if he is to get another crack at a world title, he has to win his fight on Saturday.
Duran meets Englishman David Radford in a 10-round light-heavyweight non-title fight, in the Jumbo Cash & Carry “Amabutho Empi” boxing extravanganza at the Carousel on Saturday night.
Radford is a late replacement for American PJ Goosen, who injured his ankle on Monday night. The change of opponent is a blow to Duran’s camp as they’ve already prepared to fight Goosen. They, however, are not worried because Duran is in great shape and ready to take on anyone who comes his way.
Duran registered a pulse rate of 72 and weight at 79, 3kg in Tuesday’s pre-fight medical. Trainer Rodney Dixon says the high pulse rate is nothing to worry about. “He came here with a pulse rate of 69 but because he was drinking tea and was excited, it went up. Seventy two is not that bad, he’ll be alright” he said.
Radford is a closed book to Duran and his technical staff. Dixon said they will not under-estimate Radford. “He is capabable of creating an upset. Not knowing the man you are facing in the ring could be very dangerous but we are prepared for anyone.”
He said the only problem with the changing of opponents is that it affects you mentally and psychologically. “You prepare for someone but someone else comes along, that thing can affect you mentally. This is really a blow,” he said.
Duran wants to dedicate this fight to his hero President Nelson Mandela. “Mr Mandela is a great man. He has done a lot for South Africa, Africa and the whole world and after this fight I would like to meet him,” said Panama-born Duran through an interpreter. “I’ll win this fight for him [Mandela], his beautiful family and all African people,”
Golden Gloves Boxing Promotions publicist Terry Pettifer described Radford as a strong boxer who will give Duran a run for his money. He is regarded as an up-and- coming boxer in Britain with a record of 23 paid fights, 15 wins, seven losses and two draws.
“He is a boxer, fighter and puncher. He is an all action fighter,” said Pettifer. He said this will be a chance for Radford to establish himself by beating Duran. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime for him as well. Duran is a great boxer,” he said.
Duran is arguably one of the best boxers the world has ever produced. His impressive record of 113 fights, 100 wins (69 knockouts), 13 losses speaks for itself.
“Hands of Stone” – as Duran is affectionately known – has won five world titles in his boxing career which blossomed in the 1970s and 1980s. He has won the universal lightweight, World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight, WBA junior- middleweight, WBC middleweight and WBA welterweight titles.
The five-time world champion arrived in the country on Saturday. He looked sharp at training earlier this week, catching his trainer Dixon with some powerful punches during a sparring session at the Carousel.When Duran jumps into the ring on Saturday, wearing his famous black boxing shorts, there will be only one thing in his mind and that is to win this one and get a crack at another world title. Old as he is (47), he still cherishes the dream of fighting for a world title.
“Given more time, he can go down to middleweight or junior middle, and that is when we are planning to challenge for another title,” added Dixon.
This is Duran’s third fight this year. He fought twice against Jonger Castro earlier this year. He lost the first fight in Panama and won a return fight in Argentina. Duran said he will only retire after winning another world title.
Meanwile, plans are afoot to stage a fourth match-up between two legends – Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard – in South Africa. No one wants that fight as much as Duran’s trainer. Dixon was in the corner of Duran when he won the world middleweight title and would like to be in the corner when he fights Leonard.
“We will destroy Leonard. This one will be personal because I want to prove to the world what I’m made of,” he said.