DURAN, ROBERTO-VILOMAR FERNANDEZ ON SITE POSTER (1977)

JO Sports Inc.

Regular price $1,500.00

HISTORY: On January 29, 1977 at the Fontainbleu Hotel in Miami Beach world lightweight champion Roberto Duran made his tenth title defense against Vilomar Fernandez. Duran was successful knocking Fernandez out in the 13th round. 

Lightweight champion Roberto Duran retained his title by knocking out Vilomar Fernandez with a right and left to the body with 2:10 gone in the 13th round. It was Duran's 10th title defense since winning the lightweight crown in 1972 and his 10th knockout. It was the first time the fourth-ranked Fernandez had been stopped in his 27-fight career and only the second time he had ever been knocked down. There was never any doubt to the outcome of the fight as the Panamanian champion took control early. But Fernandez scored occasionally with crisp lefts and rights and it appeared as if he might become the first challenger to go the distance with Duran in a title bout. Duran was unable to put Fernandez down with repeated lefts and rights to the head throughout the fight. But a relentless attack on the body with his "manos de piedra" or "hands of stone," as they are known throughout Latin America, proved to be the difference. Duran, 25, who weighed in at 133¼ pounds, lost only one round according to the UPI card, the sixth, when Fernandez scored with a flurry of lefts and rights midway through the round. Fernandez, a 23-year-old part-time gypsy cab driver From the Bronx, remained light on his feet until just before the final two blows. "Duran retains title by stopping Fernandez" The Telegraph-Herald (1977, Jan. 30) p. 29. Offered here is a rare, original, on site poster for this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, cardboard, on site poster which pictures both fighters. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Light creasing in corners. No tack holes. No center crease. Some surface wear and some light paper loss from mounting and some clear tape residue at lower left corner. 14" x 22." A rare championship fight offering for the great Roberto Duran.

Size: 14" x 22"

Condition: Very Good