Roberto Duran vs Esteban De Jesus for the undisputed world lightweight title

Date: January 21, 1978

Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Duran stance: orthodox

De Jesus stance: orthodox

Roberto Duran shared a ring with Esteban De Jesus for the first time in 1972, in his 32nd bout, shortly after winning the WBA lightweight title. Duran lost that non-title fight on points. He won the rematch in 1974, with an eleventh round stoppage, despite being dropped in the opening round. Duran made a further seven defences of his title, and also won 13 non-title bouts. He entered the ring for this trilogy decider on his 54th pro bout.

Esteban De Jesus had scored a first round knockdown of Roberto Duran on his way to winning their first encounter. He scored another early knockdown in the rematch, but couldn't keep up with Duran in a war of attrition. De Jesus challenged Antonio Cervantes for the WBA light welterweight title, and lost on points. Two wins later, De Jesus beat Guts Ishimatsu on points to claim the WBC lightweight belt. He defended his title three times before the trilogy fight with Duran, that was also a world title unification bout.

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