He isn’t much of a talker but Oscar Duarte’s work in the ring speaks loudly.
Before running across Ryan Garcia at the tail end of 2023, Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs) was on a roll. Although he found himself on the wrong end of a knockout loss for a change, Duarte was simply happy to be a part of the big leagues.
You see, the 29-year-old spent most of his career sequestered from the public. So, even with a loss to Garcia, he was seen by enough eyes to make a name for himself.
In his very next appearance, he was thrown into the ring with another notable name. This time, he didn’t fold. Instead, he rose to the occasion against Joseph Diaz and handed the former champion his first career stoppage defeat. Following another solid win to close out his 2024, Duarte’s name continues to ring bells.
Now, the opportunities just keep knocking on his door as he takes on former two-time champion, Regis Prograis.
There’s something about Prograis that Duarte believes he can take advantage of. A good win, if he can, would place him in the driver’s seat for arguably the first time in his career. If a win over Prograis gives him the chance to call the shots, Duarte knows exactly who he would target.
“Devin Haney, Gervonta (Davis), Ryan,” said Duarte to ESNEWS.com.
That’s a luxurious list. But while he believes he’s earned the right to face any of those previously named fighters, none are pragmatic. Haney and Garcia are locked into separate bouts and if they both emerge victoriously, they'll meet later this year.
Davis is even more unlikely. The Ring’s No. 1 ranked lightweight fights a weight class below Duarte and is preparing for a showdown against Lamont Roach.
If Davis, Garcia, and Haney are all off the table - Duarte will pivot from chasing names to chasing titles.
“I want all of the champions.”