The boxing community has been closely following updates on Panamanian boxing legend Roberto ‘Manos de Piedra’ Duran’s health. The former boxer recently underwent heart surgery to address a complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Duran’s family has announced that the surgery was successful and he is now stable, with a pacemaker fitted.
Some really good news to bring you regarding the health of Roberto Duran…
His family has announced on Instagram that surgery to install a pacemaker to aid his heart has been a success!
We wish Roberto a speedy recovery 🙏🏼#RobertoDuran | #BoxingNews pic.twitter.com/127fOY56Ai
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) March 18, 2024
Duran, who has received numerous messages of support from fellow boxers like Canelo Alvarez and Mauricio Sulaiman, initially caused alarm when he was hospitalized for heart issues. However, his family has now confirmed that there were no major complications and that the operation went well.
In a statement, the Duran family expressed their gratitude: “The Durán family is pleased to inform that, thanks to God, the operation on our champion was a success.”
An atrioventricular block is a condition where the transmission of impulses from the atria to the ventricles of the heart is partially or completely interrupted. Symptoms can vary but may include fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. In some cases, as with Duran, a pacemaker is necessary to manage the condition.
Who is Roberto Duran?
Roberto Durán (103-16 with 70 knockout victories) is a legendary figure in boxing, known for his dynamic personality and being one of the greatest lightweights in history. Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, Duran competed in multiple weight classes, from bantamweight to super middleweight. Since 2020, he has faced several health issues, including a COVID-19 infection that led to hospitalization due to a pre-existing lung condition from a past accident in Argentina.
The Origin of ‘Manos de Piedra’
Duran earned his nickname, ‘Manos de Piedra’ (Hands of Stone), in a unique way. During an interview with Mexican boxing journalist Erika Montoya, he recounted how, as a young fighter, he was asked to fill in for an older opponent at a boxing event. To meet the weight requirement, his trainer filled his shorts with stones. Although an embarrassing moment, this incident led to his famous moniker.
Roberto Duran remains a beloved figure in the boxing world, and fans are relieved to hear of his successful surgery and recovery.
