I Am Durán (2019)

I Am Durán Poster

The story of four-time World Champion Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán. A one man wrecking-ball who took on the world, transcended his sport and helped inspire a nation to rise up against its CIA funded dictator to achieve independence. From his days shining shoes on the street, to packing out arenas across the world, this is the story of modern Panama and its most celebrated child.

Overview
"I Am Durán" is a moving, feature-length documentary directed by Mat Hodgson and launched in 2019. The film focuses on the life and career of world-renowned famous fighter Roberto Durán. Born in a denied area in Panama, Durán got rid of huge adversity to become a sign of power, strength, and resilience not just in his house nation however internationally.

Profile of a Champion
The movie includes extreme footage of Durán's career-defining battles, alongside the charming and terrifying character he embodied in the ring. Durán was a four-weight world champion who, in a breath-taking profession that spanned five decades, won 103 of his 119 fights. The movie likewise thoroughly explores Durán's notorious rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard, an American boxing champion of the same era.

From Rags to Riches
"I Am Durán" dives into the regional roots that formed this extraordinary boxer. He was born to a bad, big family in Guararé, Panama. His dad transferred to the United States before he was born, and his mother was a native Panamanian. Durán began boxing at a young age to break away from the poverty and corruption surrounding him. In 1968, as a teenager, he started his professional boxing career and rapidly increased through the ranks to end up being a world champ.

Socio-Political Backdrop
The movie also offers a thorough backdrop forming Durán's life and profession from a socio-political perspective. It throws light on the grim realities of Panama's unstable history, particularly under the stiff and oppressive program of General Manuel Noriega. Durán is seen as a source of strength and unity for his fellow Panamanians during this challenging time; he personified their cumulative defiance and strength.

Durán and Leonard Rivalry
Durán's competition with the respected American fighter Sugar Ray Leonard was one of the most famous in the sport's history. During two iconic matches in 1980, they fought for the WBC welterweight title. Durán won the first match, however in the rematch, he shocked everyone when he unexpectedly stopped during the eighth round. The documentary explores the profound impact this occasion had on Durán's career and reputation.

Tradition and Influence
Throughout "I Am Durán", various prominent figures supply their perspective on Durán's tradition, including boxing promoters, sports journalists, fellow boxers and even Hollywood figures like Robert De Niro. Panamanian political figures likewise offer insight into the favorable effect Durán had on the nationwide spirit throughout the country's tumultuous past.

Conclusion
"I Am Durán" is a motivating yet practical portrayal of Roberto Durán's life. It informs the story of Durán's amazing journey from a poverty-stricken youth to becoming one of the most successful professional boxers in history. The documentary is not practically Durán's boxing expertise, however it embodies his strength and decision as a symbol of resistance and motivation for a whole country.

Top Cast

  • Roberto Durán (small)
    Roberto Durán
    Himself
  • Oscar de la Hoya (small)
    Oscar de la Hoya
    Himself
  • Robert De Niro (small)
    Robert De Niro
    Himself
  • Marvelous Marvin Hagler (small)
    Marvelous Marvin Hagler
    Himself
  • Ricky Hatton (small)
    Ricky Hatton
    Himself
  • Sugar Ray Leonard (small)
    Sugar Ray Leonard
    Himself
  • Lennox Lewis (small)
    Lennox Lewis
    Himself
  • Larry Merchant (small)
    Larry Merchant
    Himself
  • Manuel Noriega
    Himself
  • Sylvester Stallone (small)
    Sylvester Stallone
    Himself
  • Mike Tyson (small)
    Mike Tyson
    Himself