Palomino represented the right test. The former WBC welterweight champion had lost his title to Wilfred Benítez by split decision five months earlier and remained frustrated over not receiving a rematch. He believed Durán had looked soft in previous welterweight appearances, although the Panamanian arrived at the weigh-in looking sharp at 146 pounds. Palomino weighed 145.
Although the 7-5 favorite, Durán did not fight like a lightweight depending solely on aggression. He mixed pressure with feints, jabs, counters, and subtle changes of distance. His head and shoulders were rarely still, allowing him to slip pu
