Roberto Duran Net Worth, Early Life, Lightweight Career, Salary
Roberto Duran is a retired Panamanian boxer known for his remarkable career and significant impact on the sport. His current net worth is estimated at $3 million, a figure that is notably lower than what it could have been; reports indicate that Duran squandered over $20 million during his prime due to a lavish lifestyle.
Career
Roberto Durán’s boxing career spanned from 1968 to 2001, making it one of the longest in boxing history. Throughout this time, he held world championship titles in four weight classes: lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight. After several premature retirements in the 1980s and 90s, he finally retired for good in early 2002 following a serious car accident in Argentina.
Salary
Roberto Duran’s boxing career was financially lucrative, with earnings exceeding $20 million from prize money and purses. His most notable paydays came from fights against legendary opponents like Sugar Ray Leonard.
The rematch in 1980 was particularly significant, as it became one of the most lucrative fights in boxing history at that time, with Duran reportedly earning $7 million for the bout, which he famously quit in the eighth round by saying “no mas.”In addition to Leonard, Duran also earned substantial sums from fights against other high-profile boxers such as Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns, solidifying his status as one of the highest-earning boxers of his era.
Early Life
Born on June 16, 1951, in Guararé, Panama, Roberto Durán was raised by his Panamanian mother, Clara, and American father, Margarito. He grew up in the corregimiento of El Chorrillo in Panama City and began sparring with boxers at just eight years old. By the age of 16, Durán transitioned from amateur boxing to a professional career.
Lightweight Career
Durán made his professional debut in the lightweight division in February 1968, winning his first 31 fights. His first title bout occurred in June 1972, where he defeated Ken Buchanan to claim the WBA lightweight championship. He successfully defended this title 12 times, overcoming challengers like Jimmy Robertson, Hector Thompson, and Guts Ishimatsu. He relinquished the title in early 1979 after knocking out Esteban De Jesús.
Welterweight Success
Upon moving up to the welterweight class, Roberto Duran achieved victories against fighters like Carlos Palomino and Zeferino Gonzales, setting up a highly publicized title fight against then-undefeated WBC champion Sugar Ray Leonard. Known as the “Brawl in Montreal,” this bout ended with Durán defeating Leonard by unanimous decision to capture the WBC welterweight title. However, their rematch later that year saw Durán lose after he abruptly stopped fighting in the eighth round, allegedly stating “no más.” This led to his first retirement from boxing.
Light Middleweight and Middleweight Achievements
Roberto Duran returned to boxing after a brief hiatus to compete in the light middleweight division. His initial attempt at winning the WBC light middleweight title was unsuccessful; however, after signing with promoter Bob Arum, he claimed victory against former champion José Cuevas and ultimately won the title on his 32nd birthday by defeating Davey Moore in 1983.
Unfortunately, he was stripped of this title after losing to Thomas Hearns later that year. In 1989, Durán moved up to middleweight and faced Iran Barkley for the WBC middleweight title, emerging victorious via split decision and securing his fourth world title.
Super Middleweight Division
In late 1989, Roberto Duran faced Sugar Ray Leonard for a third time but lost. He returned to fight again in 1991 but faced setbacks against Vinny Pazienza and William Joppy before retiring for a third time. However, he made another comeback in 1999, winning the NBA super middleweight title against Pat Lawlor before losing it to Héctor Camacho in what would be his final fight.
Official Retirement
Roberto Duran officially retired from boxing following a severe car crash while promoting his salsa music album in Argentina in October 2001. He underwent life-saving surgery due to injuries sustained in the accident. In recognition of his contributions to boxing, he was inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame (2006) and the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2007).
Other Appearances
Beyond boxing, Duran has appeared in various films and television shows. Notably, he played a sparring partner for Sylvester Stallone’s character in “Rocky II” and portrayed a drug lord in “Miami Vice.” His life story has been depicted in documentaries like “The Fists of a Nation” and biopics such as “Hands of Stone,” where he was portrayed by Édgar Ramírez. Roberto Duran remains an iconic figure not only for his achievements inside the ring but also for his complex personal journey outside it.
