Duane Thomas was a professional boxer in the super welterweight division….who turned pro in 1979 and won the vacant WBC light middleweight title with a 3rd round TKO over John Mugabi in 1986 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Thomas would lose the title eight months later, in Merignac, France, in his first defense to Lupe Aquino by decision. In 1988 he challenged WBC light middleweight title holder Gianfranco Rosi….but was dominated and TKO’d in the 7th. He was an elite fighter during his era.
Lupe Aquino was a professional boxer from Chihuahua, Mexico in the super welterweight division. Aquino….who turned pro in 1981 and won the WBC light middleweight title in 1987 with a decision over Duane Thomas….as seen in this video herewith in a very good fight. Aquino lost the title in his first defense via a close decision to Gianfranco Rosi. In 1988 Aquino took on John David Jackson for the inaugural WBO light middleweight title….who Aquino put down in the 1st round….but ended up retiring after the 7th round. Aquino continued to fight until 1999 but never again challenged for a major title.
Had both Duane Thomas and Lupe Aquino fought in any other era other than the golden age of boxing (1964 – 1995)….they would have probably been remember for their talents…..cuz both these guys were elite boxers.
