During his fierce and intense days in the ring, Roberto Duran was just as intimidating as he was talented. According to Sugar Ray Leonard, Duran’s dark eyes reminded him of the infamous Charles Manson, notably because Manson’s cruel image was the complete opposite of the 1960s hippy dream. Yet, when it comes to boxing, many historians argue Duran was the greatest lightweight fighter of all time—and that’s a debate worth having, maybe on another occasion.
Today is special; it marks the 50th anniversary of one of Duran’s most startling knockout victories—a match sealed with a quote that sent shivers down the spine of boxing fans worldwide. At the age of 23, Duran was nearly at the peak of his powers, having reigned as the lightweight world champion since 1972. Entering his 50th professional fight, and defending his title for the sixth time, “Hands of Stone” came up against the skilled Ray Lampkin. Battling it out in Panama City, Lampkin traveled from Portland, Oregon, meeting his foe four years his junior. At this point, Duran boasted a 48-1 record, with 42 knockouts—his only loss dealt by Esteban De Jesus, a fighter who also bested Lampkin by decision. Lampkin’s record stood at 30-3-1, with 12 of those wins by knockout.
The fight began with Lampkin making a strong impression. His quick hands and nimble movements enabled him to land some good hits, particularly notable body shots in the second round. But as the match progressed, and spurred on by the cheers of home fans, Duran gradually wore Lampkin down. Despite the fast pace and high-caliber punches from both sides, by the middle and later rounds, Lampkin was clearly struggling, partly due to the punishing Panamanian weather. Duran had begun to close Lampkin’s eye, his signature fierce snarl ever-present.
It seemed Lampkin might just hold on until the final bell, but Duran had different plans. Round 14 brought the climax. After battling with sheer willpower, Lampkin’s resistance faltered. In the opening minute, Duran saw his chance and delivered a devastating left hook to the head. Lampkin hit the canvas hard, spread-eagled, the impact leaving him stunned.
In an astounding display of resilience, Lampkin attempted to rise purely on instinct, but his body refused to cooperate. Meanwhile, Duran reveled in his victory, leaping around the ring, full of jubilation and unyielding spirit, convinced no one could defeat him—even going on to avenge his loss to De Jesus twice.
The impact on Lampkin was severe. He was transported to the hospital, rendered unconscious for 30 minutes with one leg temporarily paralyzed. He remained in care for five days. Such was the daunting risk any lightweight took when squaring off against Duran. Infamously, after the fight, Duran remarked to reporters, “I was not in my best condition. Today I sent him to the hospital. Next time I’ll put him in the morgue.”
In a surprising turn of events, showing his compassionate side, Duran later visited Lampkin in the hospital, where he gently kissed his cheek as he lay recuperating.
Duran remained the lightweight champion until 1978 when he shifted to the welterweight category. As for Lampkin, he stepped into the ring seven more times, winning five bouts and losing two. In the annals of boxing history, Ray Lampkin will always be remembered as the fighter who felt the full force of Roberto Duran’s most brutal knockout.
