The legendary Roberto Duran, who celebrated his 54th birthday on Thursday, was on a national conference call to promote the June 24th Team Freedom pay-per-view fight headlined by Yory Boy Campas vs. Matt Vanda. The fight will emanate from the Target Center in Minneapolis, and will also feature a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Duran's memorable victory over Sugar Ray Leonard, the first loss in Leonard's tremendous career, to win the WBC welterweight title.

On why he is now promoting fights for Team Freedom: "I want to be remembered as a great fighter and great person; I want to keep the Roberto Duran name out there so people don't forget."

On how it felt to defeat Leonard: "I was elated after that  win. He was the Golden Boy, the idol of the U.S. But I was ready  mentally and physically. I felt I had won over the Montreal fans, I was very happy."

Could the fighters of today in his division beat him. "I know all the fighters well. Some of them might be hard fights, but it would be very difficult for any of these fighters to beat me because I am on a different level."

Does he have any regrets about the No Mas rematch against Leonard?
"Leonard's people outsmarted my people, they knew I was going to party hard after the win.  They outsmarted us by having the rematch so soon after the first fight. I had a difficult time making the weight. I was really upset at the management team."

On how the rematch ended: "I never said no mas, how could (television broadcaster) Howard Cosell hear what I  was saying, he was on the other side of the ring."

Here is the release on the Campas vs. Vanda card featuring the Duran tribute.


Team Freedom Promotions Presents…
"BATTLE FOR PRIDE" HEADLINED BY YORY BOY CAMPAS VS. MATT VANDA LIVE ON PAY PER VIEW FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 24, FROM TARGET CENTER
***Tribute to the legendary Roberto Duran Celebrating 25th anniversary of victory over Sugar Ray Leonard***


New York, June 14 will be the veteran warrior against the young turk fighting in his home town when Team Freedom Promotions, Inc. presents "Battle For Pride," a super welterweight showdown featuring Mexican great Yory Boy Campas, the former world champion, against Matt Vanda, the local hero, live on Pay-Per-View on Friday night, June 24, from the Target Center in Minneapolis.

The PPV featuring four hotly contested fights is priced at $19.95, and is available by contacting your local cable provider.

The evening will also feature a tribute to the career of the legendary Roberto Duran, who celebrates the 25th Anniversary of his memorable victory over Sugar Ray Leonard this year. Duran scored his tremendous triumph over Leonard on June 20, 1980 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, almost 25 years to the date of the coming silver anniversary celebration in Minneapolis. 

Vanda, who has appeared on national television on both ESPN and Showtime, is the pride of St. Paul, MN, and has put forth a stellar 33-1 ring record with 21 wins coming by way of knockout. The 26-year-old will be facing his stiffest test in Campas, the standout from Colonia Moderna, Mexico, who has compiled an incredible 86 victories during a remarkable career, suffering only seven setbacks, and scoring 70 knockout victories. Campas now fights out of Phoenix, AZ. Campas defeated Raul Marquez to capture the IBF Light Middleweight crown in Atlantic City on December 6, 1997, a title he ultimately lost to Oscar De La Hoya. Campas began his career at the age of 15 as a young phenom in his native Mexico in 1987.

"If Matt wins this fight, it puts him in a position to take on the likes of De La Hoya, Vargas, Quartey, Mosley, as well as all of the 154-pound champions," said Leon Margules, president of Team Freedom promotions. "Should Campas score, he would again become a player in the division."
 
6-23-2005