Hands of Stone - Christian Giudice [179]
I want to thank Monica Krebs for her flawless translation and generosity. Lee Groves provided me with countless videos, while Rick Scharmberg never lost hope. Jose Torres met me in a deli in New York and changed the face of this book with his knowledge. I never met Chon Romero in person, but this book has felt his impact and I am deeply grateful for his kind and generous donation of photographs. The people at Fightnews and Gloucester County Times were indispensable resources throughout.
Panama consul and friend Georgia Athanasopulos always made time for a visit, and it was greatly appreciated. Dale Carson put up with me through this project, while Steve Farhood, my first real interview, provided countless connections and feedback. Miguelito Callist took me under his wing and protected me in the worst gyms, while translators and friends Alexandra Newbold, Margorie and George saved me in times of need. I can’t repay Clara for all her class and dignity, while Toti, Ana, Isabel Moises, Jairo, Mireya, and Victorino welcomed me into their lives. Lesbia Diaz invited me in and I felt her passion for Duran. Boxers and trainers Peppermint Frazer, Pambele, Yanez, Soto, Victor Cordoba, Antonio Campbell, Franklin Bedoya, Chavo and Carlos Eleta gave me a history lesson on boxing in Panama. The enthusiasm of the students in the Haddonfield school district, and more specifically Bob Bickel, Chuck Klaus, Mike Busarello and Stafford, was an inspiration. Behind the scenes, Mike Willmann and John Yurkow did extensive PR work. Ed Koenig has been and always was there for me. Dan, Cory, Brian, Kevin and Matt had faith in the book. Peter Walsh deserves my utmost respect for believing in my ability and tracking me down. Lou Papa, a great man, shared a love for travel and boxing with me. Buddy Nask told me never to back down from this challenge when it seemed hopeless. To Angel Romero, my thanks for teaching me how to box.
I will never understand the generosity and love of the Panamanian people who took me in, treated me like family, and never expected anything in return. This journey is my gift to them.
Roberto Duran’s Professional Record
Birthplace: El Chorrillo, Panama
Hometown: Panama City
Birthdate: 16 June 1951
Record: 104-16 (70 KOs)
W = won on points. KO = knockout. TKO = stoppage. L = lost on points.
Date Opponent Site Result
1968
Feb 23 Carlos Mendoza Colon W 4
Apr 4 Manuel Jimenez Colon KO 1
May 14 Juan Gondola Colon KO 1
Jun 30 Eduardo Morales Panama City KO 1
Aug 10 Enrique Jacobo Panama City KO 1
Aug 25 Leroy Cargill Panama City KO 1
Sep 22 Cesar De Leon Panama City KO 1
Nov 16 Juan Gondola Colon KO 2
Dec 7 Carlos Howard Panama City TKO 1
1969
Jan 19 Alberto Brand Panama City TKO 4
Feb 1 Eduardo Frutos Panama City W 6
May 18 Jacinto Garcia Panama City TKO 4
Jun 22 Adolfo Osses Panama City TKO 7
Sep 21 Serafin Garcia Panama City TKO 5
Nov 23 Luis Patino Panama City TKO 8
1970
Mar 28 Felipe Torres Mexico City W 10
May 16 Ernesto Marcel Panama City TKO 10
Jul 10 Clemente Mucino Colon KO 6
Sep 5 Marvin Castanedas Chiriqui KO 1
Oct 18 Ignacio Castaneda Panama City TKO 3
1971
Jan 10 Jose Angel Herrera Mexico City KO 6
Mar 21 Jose Acosta Panama City KO 1
May 29 Lloyd Marshall Panama City TKO 5
Jul 18 Fermin Soto Monterrey TKO 3
Sep 13 Benny Huertas New York TKO 1
Oct 16 Hiroshi Kobayashi Panama City KO 7
1972
Jan 15 Angel Robinson Garcia Panama City W 10
Mar 10 Francisco Munoz Panama City KO 1
Jun 26 Ken Buchanan New York TKO 13
(Won WBA Lightweight Title)
Sep 2 Greg Potter Panama City KO 1
Oct 28 Lupe Ramirez Panama City KO 1
Nov 17 Esteban DeJesus New York L 10
1973
Jan 20 Jimmy Robertson Panama City KO 5
(Retained WBA Lightweight Title)
Feb 22 Juan Medina Los Angeles TKO 7
Mar 17 Javier Ayala Los Angeles W 10
Apr 14 Gerardo Ferrat Panama City TKO 2
Jun 2 Hector Thompson Panama City TKO 8
(Retained WBA Lightweight Title)
Aug 4 Doc McClendon Puerto Rico W 10
Sep 8 Ishimatsu Suzuki Panama City TKO 10
(Retained WBA Lightweight Title)