Watch I Am Durán

I Am Durán is a 2019 sports documentary chronicling the life and career of Panamanian boxing legend, Roberto 'Hands of Stone' Durán. Directed by Mat Hodgson, the film features recollections from Durán himself, as well as from his family members, fellow boxers, trainers, opponents, fans, and friends. The documentary explores the highs and lows of Durán's life, both inside and outside of the ring, from his humble beginnings in El Chorrillo to his reign as a four-division world champion.

The film charts Durán's early life in Panama, where he was born into abject poverty and raised in the mean streets of El Chorrillo, a rough neighborhood on the outskirts of Panama City. Durán's mother died when he was only five years old, and he was forced to fend for himself and his six siblings from a young age. Durán's father was a boxer and taught Durán how to fight. By the age of eight, Durán had his first amateur fight, and he quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent. However, his early career was marred by controversy, including a disqualification for biting an opponent and an assault charge for attacking a referee.

As Durán's star rose, he became a national hero in Panama and a global sensation in the boxing world. He won his first world title in 1972, defeating Ken Buchanan for the WBA lightweight championship. Durán was known for his aggressive, brawling style in the ring, as well as his quick wit and charming personality outside of it. He also became a symbol of pride and empowerment for Panamanians and Latinos around the world.

The documentary explores Durán's rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard, which came to a head in the famous 'No Más' bout in 1980. Durán defeated Leonard in their first fight, but he lost the rematch in controversial circumstances when he abruptly quit in the eighth round, saying 'No Más' (meaning 'No More' in Spanish). The documentary examines the reasons behind Durán's decision to quit, including allegations of dehydration, stomach cramps, and frustration with Leonard's defensive tactics.

The film also delves into Durán's personal life, including his marriages, his affairs, and his struggles with drug addiction and depression. Durán talks candidly about the ups and downs of his relationships with his wives, Felicidad and Mia, as well as his mistress, Vilma. He also discusses his battles with alcohol and cocaine, which led to his retirement from boxing in 2002 and his subsequent comeback in 2007.

Through interviews with Durán's contemporaries and admirers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, and Sylvester Stallone, the documentary offers a comprehensive portrait of a legendary boxer who transcended sport and became an icon of his time. The film is also noteworthy for its use of archival footage and photographs, which bring Durán's story to life and highlight the cultural and historical context of his achievements.

In conclusion, I Am Durán is a must-see documentary for boxing fans and anyone interested in the life of a charismatic and complex sports legend. The film is a testament to Durán's enduring legacy and his impact on the sport of boxing and the world at large. It is a fitting tribute to a fighter who overcame tremendous adversity to become one of the greatest champions in the history of the sport.

I Am Durán is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.