In the world of boxing, audacious claims aren’t uncommon. But some claims echo louder, resonating through time, spurring debates, and stirring souls. Picture this: A modern boxing titan dares to overshadow legends from the past. It’s like Picasso asserting he’d outshine da Vinci in the Renaissance period. This isn’t just another claim; it’s Floyd Mayweather, a master of both punches and provocations, laying down the gauntlet.

Enter Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran, not just another boxing legend but Mike Tyson’s favorite. Duran is a name that needs no embellishments. A boxer whose fists spoke louder than words, and when they didn’t, his words sure packed a punch.

And so, when Duran responded to Mayweather, the boxing world stopped and listened. Everyone has an opinion on Mayweather’s audacity, but Duran’s retaliation? That’s a tale deserving of a canvas all its own.

Would Floyd Mayweather truly reign supreme in Duran’s time?

Stepping into the heart of the matter, Roberto Duran’s rebuke to Mayweather’s assertion is strikingly direct. He declared, “I laugh when Floyd Mayweather says that if he went back in time, he would beat us all. I’ll tell you this: if he was in the same era as Hagler and Hearns and Leonard, and me, I don’t think he would be such a big name. There is too much talk.” A declaration that firmly roots itself in the passion of the sport, invoking names of the golden era, and suggesting that Mayweather’s talk might overshadow his talent.

Fans undoubtedly had a field day with this revelation. Leading the charge, one fan confidently stated, “Roberto Duran will break his ribs.” Essentially, he crystallized the sentiment of many who idolize Duran’s raw power and indomitable spirit.

Next, another fan offered a nuanced take, observing, “I think Alan Minter would have done him, but marvelous Marvin was a step too far.” He deftly hints at the prowess of Marvin Hagler, elevating him to a league where even Mayweather might falter.

Echoing the sentiment of nostalgia, one person chimed in with a succinct, “The best days of boxing.” A short but impactful comment, it underscores the reverence many hold for Duran’s era.

Another user took a deeper dive, reflecting on Duran’s illustrious past. He articulated, “Was he serious back in his prime? The hands of stone was no joke in the ring. He was a beast. Floyd should watch some of his fights in his prime or watch him against Leonard in the first fight in Montreal. Leonard decided to go toe to toe; he was getting rocked. And he wasn’t in his prime then. Floyd, if he did go back in time, Leonard, Benitez, Hearns, or even the late great Aaron Pryor, all could take him out.” Their take encapsulates a detailed reflection on Duran’s prime, hinting at the potential outcomes if Mayweather stepped into that era.

Offering a counter-narrative, another fan acknowledged Mayweather’s unique class, emphasizing, “Mayweather is a class of his own…the difference is that he can take shots.” Their stance celebrates Mayweather’s resilience, presenting a crucial counterpoint to the prevailing sentiment.

Duran’s era was undeniably golden, filled with legends whose legacies have been etched in the annals of boxing history. Yet Mayweather’s era boasts its own glitter, spotlighting a boxer whose prowess and persona are unmatched. The juxtaposition of these two eras, sparked by a single claim, has ignited a debate that transcends time.

If you were to transport Mayweather back in time to face Duran in his prime, who would you put your money on? The invincible ‘Money’ or the formidable ‘Hands of Stone’?