Roberto Duran’s “Hand delivered” invitation  to the Hublot “Night of Champions” Dinner and Auction

Hublot and the WBC are  bringing  together Boxing’s  Elite, for the Dinner and Gala Auction of the Night of Champions, at the Encore Hotel, Las Vegas on May 3rd, and one of the very greatest guests is Roberto Duran.

Roberto Duran was born on June 16, 1951, in the neighborhood of Chorrillo, Panama. Passionate about sport since his childhood, aged just sixteen, Roberto made his debut in professional boxing in 1967.

Possessor of phenomenal  granite punching power, “Hards of Stone”  pressured, harried and stunned rivals, often cutting off the ring and trapping them on the ropes, where he ruthlessly applied  “The finishing touches.”

With an almost perfect timing, up came the opportunity to fight for the WBC lightweight title against Esteban De Jesus, who in a previous fight had sent him to the canvas, defeating  Roberto by points, when he was out of sorts, recovering from flu. This time Roberto totally overwhelmed and stopped Esteban.

On June 20, 1980 and after defeating former welterweight champion Carlos Palomino, the golden night Duran had dreamed of, finally arrived. He was fighting Sugar Ray Leonard for the WBC welterweight title.

Roberto became the new champion; nevertheless, months later, Leonard recovered the title.

On February 24, 1989 in a rugged encounter, Roberto won the WBC middleweight championship against American Iran Barkley, in Atlantic City. Before that he had won the super welterweight title.

Throughout his fabulous career Roberto Duran faced down rivals, and tore into them. The red badge of courage roll call of honor includes: Hector  “Macho” Camacho, Sugar Ray Leornard, Thomas Hearns, Wilfredo Benitez, Pipino Cuevas, among many others.

His last fight was against Hector Camacho on July 14, 2001. He had won 4 world crowns in five divisions!

Join the Gala Dinner and Auction of the WBC Night of Champions and Hublot in Las Vegas on May 3, 2019! Visit www.hublotnightofchampions.com where you can buy tickets, bid on the lots or just make a donation for an amazing cause!