Roberto Duran defended his WBA world lightweight title against Esteban De Jesus

Date: March 16, 1974

Venue: Gimnasio Nuevo Panama, Panama City

Duran stance: orthodox

De Jesus stance: orthodox

Roberto Duran won the WBA lightweight title in 1972 when he stopped Ken Buchanan in the 13th round. Later that year, Duran suffered the first loss of his pro career, when he was outpointed by Estaban De Jesus. As this was a non-title bout, Duran kept his title. Two months later, he knocked out Jimmy Robertson in the fifth round, in his first title defence. Duran had two more defences of his WBA crown, plus seven non-title bouts before getting home advantage for his rematch with De Jesus, in what would be the fourth defence of his title.

Esteban De Jesus had also been busy since their first meeting. He beat Ray Lampkin on points for the NABF lightweight belt, and also won on points in their rematch. In between those two bouts, De Jesus had a couple of points wins over fringe contenders Johnny Gant and Raul Montoya. After the second Lampkin fight, De Jesus knocked out former WBA light welterweight champion Alfonso Frazer in the tenth round.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Roberto Duran - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000080

Esteban De Jesus - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/8683