1994 Vinny Pazienza vs. Roberto Duran Multi-Signed Mano a Mano Poster – COA JSA

Roberto Durán fought Vinny Pazienza twice, in June 1994 and January 1995, for the IBC Super Middleweight Championship, with Pazienza winning both times by unanimous decision. In the first fight, Durán put Pazienza down in Rounds 2 and 5, but referee Joe Cortez controversially ruled the Round 2 knockdown to be a slip. The first fight divided the people watching as some felt that Durán had won a close fight, but others felt that Pazienza had won either narrowly or widely after finishing strongly in the last five rounds.

The second fight was more lopsided in Pazienza’s favour, as despite the official judges giving Pazienza the win by scores of 116–112, 117–111 and 118–110, the TV commentators expressed puzzlement at the closeness of the official scoring as they thought that Pazienza had won every round in a 120–108 shutout.

Presented is an original poster from the first fight dubbed, “Mano a Mano” on June 25, 1994 at the MGM Grand. It was autographed by 5 boxing greats including the participants Roberto Duran and Vinny Pazienza. Other signers on the 26-3/4″ x 39-1/2″ poster include Greg Haugen, Tony Lopez and Jorge Luis Gonzalez.

Authentication: JSA Full Letter