Roberto Duran, one of the greatest fighters in history, watched Luis Reynaldo Nunez closely on Saturday night and concluded that the 25-year-old is on his way to a world title. For Bob Santos, Nunez’s coach, it was a special moment.
Nunez, 23-0 (15 KOs), recorded a first-round technical knockout of Jhan Estiven Camacho at Hotel El Panama in Panama City. Roberto Duran Jnr was in Nunez’s corner, while his legendary father watched on from the crowd.
Santos had helped Duran Jnr in the days leading up to his pro debut in May 2000, for a fight in South Africa. Twenty six years on, Duran Jnr was in Nunez’s corner with Santos.
“It was a full-circle-type deal,” Santos told BoxingScene. “Duran, he really enjoyed looking at Nunez up close, and he said, 'That kid has some explosive hand speed and power. No doubt in my mind that he is going to be a world champion.’ Who better to know than [Roberto Duran]?”
Santos’ favorite fighter happens to be Duran, so to receive praise from him was extra special.
“It was really cool,” Santos said. “It is just awesome. It is just what it was.”
As for Nunez, he and his team are willing to fight anyone.
Nunez, 23-0 (15 KOs), a top featherweight promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz, stayed busy over the weekend, returning to action after his unanimous decision win over Hector Andres Sosa in December. A 26-year-old Dominican fighter, Nunez trains with Santos in Las Vegas.
“Send the fucking contract,” Santos said. “We are ready to fight anyone.”
Santos is clear that Nunez wants to fight the best in the division and that they perceive that fighter to be WBO titleholder Rafael Espinoza.
“It is coming sooner rather than later,” Santos said. “Anybody can get it. Espinoza is considered the cream of the crop, anytime, any place, anywhere.”
The team is also willing to have Nunez drop down in weight to challenge Naoya Inoue. Nunez started his career at junior featherweight, and Santos explained if given the chance they would jump on that type of fight.
“We will go down to 122lbs and fight Naoya Inoue,” Santos said. “Everyone talks about Inoue being the best, and yes, I give him credit; he has proven that he is the best. All we need is the opportunity.”
Since 2021, Nunez has defeated four unbeaten fighters while facing tough veterans as he patiently waits for something to emerge. Currently, Nunez is ranked No. 3 by the IBF and No. 11 by the WBA. The IBF title is held by Angelo Leo, who could potentially fight Ra’eese Aleem, while the WBA featherweight titleholder is Brandon Figueroa, who just defeated Nick Ball in February to win the belt.
“People will say this is biased, but at the end of the day, he is undefeated, look at the record, and the guys he has fought,” Santos said. “To me, he is the best; we just need the opportunity.”
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.
