Roberto Duran is promoting a boxing card in the Bronx this Friday.

Legendary by any boxing standards, and certainly legendary in his own mind, Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran was the ultimate tough man, rugged, with superb instincts, able to absorb and dish out punishment and with an unmatched bravado and dogged, unrelenting will to fight. On the ring he spoke loudly and powerfully with his fists, and off the ring, he never hesitated to "hablar la verdad," on his own terms of course.

Who is the best Latin boxer of all-time? Alexis Arguello, Julio Cesar Chavez?

"Julio Cesar Chavez does not reach my ankles," asserted Duran during an exclusive interview with the Latino Sports Journal (December 2, 2005). The Panamenian legend is quick to point out that he won 6 championship belts in 6 divisions competing against some of the best figheters of all time including Marvin Hagler and "Sugar" Ray Leonard, just to name a few.

"Chavez fought against a bunch of dead men walking" growls the hard-punching Duran, who's greatest victory was winning a 15-round decision over Leonard.

Fine. So who is the best overall boxing of all times regardless of ethnicity or weight category? Is it Sugar Ray Robinson, is it Muhammed Ali?

"Roberto Duran," says the still immensely self-confident former champion. The 54 year-old boxing luminary's pride is well placed given that his brilliance lied not only in the way he won, but also in the way he lost. Despite his losses, yes losses, to other boxing greats like Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Wilfredo Benitez and Leonard in the infamous "no mas" bout, Duran earned the admiration and respect of boxing fans around the globe. His no non-sense "mano a mano" combat style, enourmous talent and overpowering presence and personality guaranteed great boxing action every time he stepped in the ring.

That is why the name Roberto Duran is, was, and will always associated with boxing greatness.

Duran is now in business with the likes of South Afrian promoter Cedrid Kushner and neoyorican sports marketer Ralph Paniagua. They are promoting a boxing card at the Paradise Theater in the Bronx this Saturday that will feature up and coming Latino prizefighters and some hot reggaeton beats.

Duran's coached fighter, fellow Panamenian, Richard Gutiérrez (19-0), will not be in the card.

The main attraction features Dominican former champ, Victoriano Sosa, who will square off against el Colombiano Jaime Rangel.

Other pugilistic action includes Chicano Mike Anchondo (25-1) of Los Angeles, CA vs. Antonio Ramirez (28-7) of the Dominican Republic; Julio Cesar ( Baby Face) Garcia (33-2) of Mexico vs. Moises Pedroza (25-6) of Colombia; and Jose Nieves (13-0) of Puerto Rico, vs. Angel Priolo (33-3) of Colombia.

The varied mix of boxeo with reggaeton music and lovely “Boxeo Caliente” Dancers promises superb value for your entertainment dollars.

The card will be delayed broadcast on FOX Sports en Espanol on December 23, 11 PM/ET. Tickets, ranging from $100 down to $25, are available through TicketMaster, at the Paradise Box Office and at Joyeria PePe and Rincon Musical locations. For more information please call 1- 800-353-8040 or visit http://www.latinoboxing.com.

###