Who won Sugar Ray vs Duran 3? is a question that has echoed through boxing history for over three decades. The third encounter between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran, famously dubbed “No Mas Fight,” remains one of the most dramatic and talked‑about bouts in the sport’s timeline. This article looks at the background of the two champions, the build‑up and night‑of drama, a round‑by‑round breakdown, the official result, and the lasting impact of this iconic clash. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to boxing history, you’ll walk away knowing exactly who won Sugar Ray vs Duran 3 and why the fight still matters today.
Introduction
The third fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran took place on June 7, 1980, at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The bout was billed as “The No Mas Fight” after Duran famously shouted “No mas” (Spanish for “no more”) to his corner, signaling his surrender in the eighth round. Day to day, this dramatic moment capped a rivalry that had already produced two thrilling contests. On top of that, the question on every boxing fan’s mind—**who won Sugar Ray vs Duran 3? **—was answered with a unanimous decision for Sugar Ray Leonard, but the story goes far beyond the final scorecards Not complicated — just consistent..
The Fighters
Sugar Ray Leonard
- Full name: Carlos Orlando Leonard
- Nicknames: “Sugar Ray,” “The Gentleman Fighter”
- Career record: 36 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw (38 professional fights)
- Key achievements: Olympic gold (1976), three‑time Fighter of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee.
Leonard entered the third fight riding a four‑fight winning streak, including a unanimous‑decision win over Thomas Hendricks in his previous bout. Known for his slick footwork, lightning‑quick combos, and strategic timing, Leonard was the underdog’s champion who could dismantle any opponent with elegance and precision Simple, but easy to overlook..
Roberto Duran
- Full name: Roberto Duran Sanchez
- Nicknames: “Manos de Piedra” (Hands of Stone), “El Caballo” (The Horse)
- Career record: 91 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw (95 professional fights)
- Key achievements: Multiple weight‑class titles, Hall of Fame inductee, legendary durability.
Duran was the pounding, relentless powerhouse from Panama, famous for his iron‑fisted jab and relentless pressure. By 1980 he had already defeated Sugar Ray Leonard once (the “No Mas Fight*” was actually the second meeting, but the third bout in their series). Duran entered the third fight with a 12‑fight unbeaten streak, showcasing his reputation as a fearsome, never‑give‑up competitor Small thing, real impact..
The Third Fight: Date, Venue, and Build‑up
The bout was promoted as a highly anticipated trilogy after Leonard’s victory in the second fight (the infamous “No Mas Fight*” where Duran quit). The Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, hosted the event, offering a packed house of over 15,000 fans eager to witness history.
Counterintuitive, but true.
- Date: June 7, 1980
- Venue: Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, USA
- Promotional angle: “The Final Chapter” – the rivalry’s climax.
Both fighters were in peak condition. Leonard had fine‑tuned his defensive style, while Duran’s training camp emphasized explosive power and unrelenting pressure. The media hype centered on who would finally claim dominance, with many pundits predicting a close, tactical battle And that's really what it comes down to..
The Fight’s Progression
Round‑by‑Round Breakdown
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Round 1 – Leonard opens.
- Leonard uses his classic “rope‑a‑dope” strategy, staying behind Duran’s lead.
- A quick combination lands, but Duran’s heavy jab counters immediately.
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Round 2 – Duran pressures.
- Duran throws a right hook that snaps Leonard’s head back.
- Leonard clinches, showcasing his defensive mastery, and the round ends with a close score (10‑9 Leonard).
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Round 3 – Leonard’s timing.
- A perfect left‑right combo lands cleanly, causing Duran’s eyes to water.
- Judges give 10‑9 Leonard for the round’s dominance.
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Round 4 – Duran’s power.
- Duran unleashes a thunderous left hook that nearly ends the fight.
- Leonard survives, but the round is scored 10‑9 Duran for his aggressive assault.
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Round 5 – Balanced action.
- Both fighters exchange clean blows; the round is a draw (10‑10).
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Round 6 – Leonard’s comeback.
- Leonard lands a signature left hook to Duran’s body, followed by a right cross to the head.
- Judges award 10‑9 Leonard.
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Round 7 – Duran’s relentless pressure.
- Duran bounces back, delivering a series of body shots that slow Leonard’s movement.
- Round scored 10‑9 Duran.
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Round 8 – The No Mas moment.
- Duran lands a devastating left hook that sends Leonard staggering.
- Leonard’s corner throws in the towel, and Duran shouts the iconic “No mas”—the fight ends.
Official Judges’ Scores (Before the 8th‑Round Stoppage)
| Judge | Leonard | Duran |
|---|---|---|
| Judge A | 78 | 73 |
| Judge B | 77 | 74 |
| Judge C | 77 | 74 |
These scores reflect Leonard leading when the fight was halted, but the official result is based on the unanimous decision awarded to Leonard That's the part that actually makes a difference..
The Final Verdict: Who Won Sugar Ray vs Duran 3?
Sugar Ray Leonard was declared the winner by unanimous decision
...after a grueling, thirteen-round war that tested the very limits of human endurance.
The finality of the moment hung heavy in the humid arena air. As the referee’s towel descended, the silence was deafening, a stark contrast to the roaring cacophony that had filled the Capital Centre just minutes prior. In real terms, duran, his body language shifting from defiant challenger to stricken warrior, stood in the corner, his gloves still raised in a futile guard. Leonard, his face a canvas of sweat, blood, and sheer willpower, slowly lowered his hands, the fight’s conclusion etched into the lines of his face.
The official announcement, delivered by the promoter, was a formality. That said, the fight had ended by corner stoppage, a technicality born of exhaustion and punishment. In real terms, the judges’ scorecards, which had been scrutinized and debated in the chaotic aftermath, were irrelevant. The result was Leonard’s, but the narrative was now forever complicated, a story of brilliance, brutality, and a decision that felt less like a victory and more like an epilogue.
In the immediate aftermath, the two warriors met in the center of the ring. There was no animosity, only a profound, bone-deep exhaustion. They embraced, a fleeting moment of human connection amidst the chaos. Duran’s eyes, though glassy, held a fire that spoke of a challenger who had pushed an icon further than anyone thought possible. Even so, leonard, tears welling in his eyes, whispered words of respect into his rival’s ear. The mutual admiration was palpable, a silent acknowledgment that this was not just a fight, but a collision of two eras.
The final verdict of the trilogy was a victory for Leonard, but it was a victory stained by the very real controversy of the stoppage. To many, it was a cop-out, a premature end to a contest that was far from over. Duran’s performance, his relentless pressure and devastating power, had clearly won the later rounds, and his reign of terror was only halted by the physical toll of his own aggression.
Yet, for Leonard, the win was a testament to his resilience and his unparalleled ring generalship. On top of that, he had survived, and in the annals of boxing history, survival against a force like Duran was the ultimate triumph. The “No Mas” moment, while dramatic, became the defining image of a rivalry that had reached its dramatic peak.
As the fighters walked to the center of the ring for the final handshake and the ceremonial bell, the reality of what they had just accomplished settled over the arena. This was not just a fight; it was a masterpiece of heart and courage. Now, the rivalry, one of the greatest in sports history, was over. The final chapter had been written, not with a whimper, but with a roar that would echo through boxing lore for generations. The question of who was truly the better fighter was left forever unanswered, a testament to the incomprehensibility of their greatness. What remained was the profound, unshakeable respect for two men who had given everything they had, and then some, to each other. The final bell had rung, and the legend of Sugar Ray Leonard and the “Hitman” was complete.
