Yesterday, March 16th, the family of Panamanian champion in four weight categories, Roberto Duran, announced that the 72-year-old Roberto had been hospitalized receiving medical attention for heart issues. Boxing stars and officials expressed words of support for Duran.
Turki Al al-Sheikh wished Roberto a speedy recovery: "A special message for the legend Roberto Duran. Get well soon, brother, and see you. God bless you."
"Hey, folks, Tyson Fury here. This is a special message for the legend Roberto Duran. Roberto, get well soon, my friend, all the best. Thinking of you, love you. God bless. See you!" said Tyson Fury.
Oleksandr Usyk said, "Hello, champion. Recover quickly! You're the best of the best!"
Ryan Garcia, along with his father, sent regards and said he tries to be like Roberto: "Hey, Duran, heard you're in the hospital. Just sending you lots of good positive energy. I know you have hands of stone, trying to live up to you. Thank you for everything you've done for boxing. Sending you lots of love. Hope you get better."
"This video is for the greatest lightweight who ever lived – Roberto 'Hands of Stone' Duran. Get well soon, champion. The whole boxing world is fighting with you and thinking about you," said Tony Bellew.
Other stars such as Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Saul Alvarez, Erik Morales, Michael Magnesi, and others also joined in wishing a speedy recovery.
Roberto was the world champion in the lightweight (WBA, WBC), welterweight (WBC), junior middleweight (WBA), and middleweight (WBC) categories and is considered one of the best lightweights in boxing history. Duran's overall record stands at 103-16, with 70 KOs.