In a day like today, 47 years ago, Lightweight world champion “Hands of Stone” Roberto Duran stooped Japanese challenger Masataka Takayama and retain title.

It was Duran’s 5th title defense. “Hands of Stone” went on to make 12 title defenses, 11 ended by KO, became unified and undisputed lightweight world champion and never lost his 135 pound crowns

He left the lightweight titles to go on to welterweights to fight Leonard and then middleweights to battle Hagler, getting in the ring against the most dangerous fighters in his time

In his prime during the 1970’s, Duran was an exciting lightweight champion who for years stopped opponents in thrilling wars, many fans regarding him as the greatest 135-pounder in history.

Duran almost died in a horrible car crash accident in Argentina, which forced him to hang up his gloves at age 50, leaving in fans memories an awesome, starry long career.

5 years after his retirement, Roberto Duran Entered into Boxing’s Hall of Fame.