Pac vs Roberto Duran!!

[jahmez]

I think prime Duran at lightweight would KO Pacquiao. While Pacquiao is obviously faster Duran's own speed was underrated. Duran had a great jab, head movement and overall defense despite being such a formidable offensive opponent. Duran was also great at feinting and would offset Pacquiao's timing. If SRL could not escape Duran in their first fight I don't see Pacquiao maintaining his balance and avoiding the ropes. Pacquiao would eventually bite the bait and try to match Duran's machismo. Pacquiao's lack of true inside game would come back to haunt him as Duran would methodically beat him up. Duran and Pacquiao are both emotional fighters but Duran couples this with ring intelligence proven throughout his whole career. Duran would not be as easy to turn as other "slow" opponents Pacquiao has fought as his contant yet tactical pressure would force Pacquiao to turn where he wanted. Whatever the outcome it would be a hell of a fight. At times, Pacquiao's movement before exchanges and tendency to express his disdain for his opponent's efforts remind me of Duran.

Against JCC I just see Pacquiao's overall speed of body being too much for Chavez. He would be in-sting-out so many times that JCC would eventually slow down even more and would be a trudging cut fest. I think that if Pacquiao tried that against Duran he would find himself being chased down the same way SLL did yet I don't think he has anywhere near the ring intelligence or natural disposition to avoid the overwhelming physicality of Duran anywhere near as well as Leonard did nor the slickness inside to avoid the inevitable punishment.