Initial plans called for both Leonard and Duran's titles to be at stake, but Duran's mandatory challenger Lindell Holmes refused to step aside and insisted on Duran making his next defense against him, resulting in Durán's title not being defended.[4]. At the time, the story lines had not yet become vivid, the true significance of what was unfolding not yet clear. Others wondered why the obvious swelling under Leonard’s left eye hadn’t precipitated a stoppage. Leonard, becoming more aggressive, hurt Hearns in the sixth with a left hook to the chin. He eradicated that defeated less than 10 months earlier with perhaps the finest outing of his career, shutting out and stopping Duran in the eighth round of their title bout which is known as the “No Mas” fight. “I am very aware of how the boxing world views me,” Hearns said, ” and it’s important to me to regain my reputation.”. Predictably, there was controversy over the TKO, some experts believing that Hearns was not hurt that bad when the fight was stopped. He had hardly been challenged, recording 28 knockouts or TKOs, and he’d floored 21 of his opponents by the third round. By the end of round five, Leonard had a growing swelling under his left eye, and Hearns had built a considerable lead on the scorecards. Nine months after Leonard turned professional, Detroit’s own Thomas Hearns joined him in the pro ranks. Al Bernstein remembers Leonard vs Hearns II. The Detroit boxer earned the USBA welterweight title after he defeated Angel Espada at Joe Louis Arena in marhc of 1980. June 15, 1984: Hearns vs Duran. Due to his aggressiveness, Hearns was well ahead on the scorecards as the fight entered the middle rounds. He recorded a KO or TKO in each of his first 17 professional fights. In spite of a rapidly swollen eye, Leonard came out in the 13th round and attacked Hearns, who tryed to dance his way out of harm. The paths of these two fighters — Hearns and Leonard — were bound to intersect. Several punches later, most of which did not land, referee Davey Pearl waved both his arms above his head repeatedly at 1:45 of round #14, signalling the end of the fight. Back to the rematch, as Hearns came in looking to avenge Leonard’s dramatic victory in their first fight in 1981. The southpaw from Detroit, looking poised against his older opponent, won three out of four rounds and was looking like he couldn’t be beat. On This Day: Leonard vs Hearns 2. Hagler vs Duran, two ring legends, going head-to-head for the middleweight title was a sure-fire box office hit. Billed as “The Showdown,” the fight between Hearns and Leonard on September 16, 1981, was emblematic of how popular boxing was at that time, an era when fans of the sport loved watching the “little guys” more than the heavyweights. Marvelous Marvin Hagler (born Marvin Nathaniel Hagler; May 23, 1954 – March 13, 2021) was an American professional boxer and film actor who competed in boxing from 1973 to 1987. Leonard had difficulty with Hearns' long reach and sharp jab. He wore his hair in a thick, curly afro, and his eyes were steely and focused. Boxing was televised nationwide on Saturday afternoons, following a lead-in by cartoons. Contrary to his usual form, Leonard kept a low profile while training for the bout, which would be for the WBA welterwight belt. . His face was on the cover of not just boxing magazines, but sporting weeklies and national magazines. Then, Leonard triumphed over Hagler in a stunning 12-round decision win two years later that gave him yet another “one up” over Hearns. Background. In the fourteenth, Leonard was like a man possessed, throwing caution to the wind and hurtling himself toward a tired Hearns. Eight years on and we’re up at the newly popularized super middleweight class with both men now five-weight world cham… Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns during their first fight, on September 16, 1981 in Las Vegas. Three hundred million watched on television. On September 16, 2020. Where do you rank them and what's your opinon on those four fighters? Not that one ever needs an excuse to go back and watch Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Marvin Hagler, especially with literally nothing else to do, but its 33rd anniversary today is a pretty good one. Never forget, on that April night in 1985, both Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns did exactly that. At 1:05 of the second round, Hearns dropped Duran with a sweeping left hand and Duran stayed down. In the eleventh round, Hearns started to stop and plant as he was nailing Leonard with straight lefts and rights; while Ray was trying to ignite something on the inside, but just couldn’t get there. This is a classic fight. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns. But Sugar Ray Leonard was always more popular. Leonard landed 227 punches, good for 52% of his total thrown punches compared to Duran, who landed a dismal 84 punches at a 14% rate. Hearns fought a lot. Rebranded as the “Motor City Cobra,” he defended his title three times in 1980-81 and improved his sterling record to 32-0. Hearns was tall (just over 6 foot one inches) and he had long legs and long arms with an extraordinary 80-inch reach. Marvin Hagler retreats to his corner after knocking Thomas Hearns to the canvas in the third round of … Nearly 24,000 fans were at Caesar’s Palace to see the fight the evening of September 16th. The lower ranks hadn’t seen the likes of Tommy Hearns in many years, if ever. Hagler 3. The southpaw from Detroit, looking poised against his older opponent, won three out of four rounds and was looking like he couldn’t be beat. He won them all, but he wasn’t the same fighter he’d once been. He didn’t like how his image had changed. he 1980s were a golden age for the welterweight and middleweight divisions of boxing. He had a slim waist and rippling muscles on his shoulders, which gave him a “V” shape above his trunks. Looking back on what we’ll never see again – Leonard vs. Hagler vs. Hearns vs. Duran During the 10 year period from 1980 through 1989, 9 fights occurred that featured Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran fighting against each other. In June of 1984, Hearns got the opportunity to redeem himself by facing Roberto Duran, the third actor in the great play that was lower weight boxing in the 1980s. Facing some guy named Jerome Hill at historic Olympia Stadium in downtown Detroit, the site of many great moments by Gordie Howe and where Joe Louis successfully defended his title in 1941, Hearns recorded a knockout in the second round. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Durán III, billed as "Uno Mas", was a professional boxing match contested on December 7, 1989 for the WBC super middleweight title. Though Leonard did not score a knockdown over Hearns, he would have a big round five, winning the round 10–8 on all three scorecards after dominating Hearns throughout the round. In contrast to Leonard, who used lightning-quick speed and magical footwork to outpoint his opponents, Hearns socked his counterparts into submission with his strong right jabs and cement-like left-handed follow. Then Hagler KOs Hearns in 3 rounds, Hagler loses to Leonard via split decision in 12 rounds, and Duran who lost against Hagler and Hearns is the only one the 3 … Detroit loved him. Yes, Leonard was the aggressor, but as it was when Hearns was pushing the fight, Leonard seemed a little bewildered trying find the now-elusive Hearns. Instead, he fought in the amateur ranks out of the Kronk Gym located just off Chicago Avenue in western Detroit. Custom lettered jerseys usually take 24 to 48 additional hours to ship. Remembering “The Showdown”: Hearns and Leonard fought 35 years ago. The fight was scheduled for 15 rounds. Sugar Ray Leonard: 34-1 with 24 KOs; WBC Super Middleweight champion Thomas Hearns: 46-3 with 39 KOs; WBO Super Middleweight champion Duan: A little bit of history here as the Fabulous Four steps into a new division. Lithe, quick, and with a devastating smile, Leonard was prettier. Where? Soon, nearly every fighter worth his weight in prize money was copying Ali’s schtick, but not as well. Marvin Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonard, billed as "The Super Fight", was a professional boxing match contested on April 6, 1987 for the WBC, The Ring and lineal middleweight titles. Hearns had his rival on the floor twice in the fight, but Leonard had his moments also. That makes them even because Leonard won the … By the fifth round however, Hearns was doing damage with his jab and Sugar Ray developed a puffy bruise under one eye. Marvin Hagler, right, battles Thomas Hearns in a 1985 middleweight title fight. As we sat in the same Puerto Rico Theater where we saw many of the great closed circuit fights of that era, my father explained to me that Hearns would control the fight by keeping Leonard at bay with his incomparable left jab. It was a knockout win at (of all places) Caesar’s Palace. Tommy Hearns calls out Marvin Hagler 33 years on from three-round Las Vegas war. Disputed: Hagler vs. Leonard. — Robert Portis. Leonard, Duran: They'll Fight but When? The heavyweight class was star-studded and minted in gold in the 1970s: Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, and others made the fight game legit again, at least in the eyes of many. The next few rounds saw a role reversal: Hearns started to box and Leonard tried to slug it out, knowing he needed to gain points. Leonard was 29-1, his only loss being the 15-round decision to Roberto Duran 15 months earlier. But he survived and needed to make it through only two more rounds to beat Leonard. By then he had shunned the nickname “Hit Man” because of it’s negative connotations, but it was appropriate. Their first meeting in 1981, one of the biggest fights in boxing history, was called “The Showdown,” an appellation which made sense given that each held one of the two official world title belts in the welterweight division. Hagler vs. Hearns: The warlord won the fight and took prisoners. Also did you hear about Porter vs Thurman being canceled? Indeed, over the three years after the loss to Sugar Ray, Hearns fought just six times. In the summer of 1981, only two boxers mattered in America: WBA welterweight champion Thomas Hearns, and WBC welterweight champion Sugar Ray Leonard. Hearns had been too young to fight for the United States in the ’76 Olympic Games. He reigned as undisputed champion of the middleweight division from 1980 to 1987, making twelve successful defenses of that title. “Leonard’s legacy was secure following his wins over Hearns, (Roberto) Duran and (Wilfred) Benitez,” said Katz when asked whether Leonard truly needed Hagler as a signature victory. The fight was billed as “The Showdown” and almost everyone picked Hearns to come out on top. exactly five months later, after fighting two warmup fights, Hearns won the WBA welterweight crown, vanquishing Jose Cuevas in the second round at The Joe. Sugar Ray landed two big combinations and Hearns covered up on the ropes, hanging on. Leonard 2. Somehow, Hearns survived the mid-rounds onslaught. “It’s gotten to me,” he admitted a few years later. Later in the same round, Hearns was knocked (or slipped) to the floor and received another short count. And to make history. 1. This one may end sooner than Duran II. He came out the only way he could if he wanted to take something away from a champion.”. He never liked being called “The Hit Man,” and after going nearly 14 rounds with nemesis Sugar Ray Leonard under the bright lights at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Tommy Hearns didn’t feel like the “Motor City Cobra” (his preferred nickname) either. Leonard countered with his best two rounds in six and seven, Hearns retreating to the ropes at one point. Dundee told Leonard in the corner, “You’re blowing it, son!” Boxing matches were events that attracted the biggest stars in media, Hollywood, finance, and politics. From there, Tommy fought (and lost) a famous brawl-like battle with Marvin Hagler, won titles in three more weight classes, and earned a decision over Leonard in 1988 in their rematch. He was a mini-Ali. Still others debated why Hearns was ahead that much to begin with on the scorecards. Thomas Hearns' jab gave Sugar Ray Leonard, right, trouble during the first half of the fight. The virtuoso Ray Leonard will confuse Thomas Hearns and defeat him decisively Wednesday night. [3] Durán had won the WBC middleweight title after upsetting Iran Barkley in his previous fight, though only Leonard's super middleweight was on the line. — Marvelous Marvin Hagler. But then, just as Ali aged and started to slur his words, and the droll, unsexy Larry Holmes took the title, the heavyweight class fell out of favor. As expected, Leonard started the fight cautiously, dancing well out of reach of Hearns, who stalked him but showed patience. Never a graceful presence in the ring, Hearns bounced more than he danced, occasionally looking awkward and tenuous. Hearns looked baffled by the decision, but exhausted, he slunk to his corner, enveloped by his training team. Dundee told Leonard in the corner, “You’re blowing it, son!”. The media described the dream matchup as Leonard the boxer vs. Hearns the puncher. Duran 4. His nose flared and his neck was long, seeming to keep his head from punishment. When Leonard and Hearns fought for the first time, it was to unify titles at welterweight. Espada went to his knees 47 seconds into the fourth round and was counted out. Hearns started to stick and move, and he started to pile … Sorry, we weren't able to sign you up. On this day in 1989 Thomas Hearns finally got his chance of revenge against Sugar Ray Leonard. The next few rounds saw a role reversal: Hearns started to box and Leonard tried to slug it out, knowing he needed to gain points. Home » Remembering “The Showdown”: Hearns and Leonard fought 35 years ago. The fight went the full 12-round distance, with all three judges scoring the fight for Leonard with scores of 120–110, 119–109 and 116–111.[5]. WBC champion Sugar Ray Leonard and WBA title-holder Thomas Hearns served up an all-time classic for welterweight supremacy. Hearns had to wait until 1989 for a rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard, this time for Leonard's WBC super-middleweight title and Hearns' WBO title. An oral history of the 1987 middleweight championship fight between 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler and 'Sugar' Ray Leonard. Surely if Leonard was forced to creep close to Hearns he’d be punished for it with several thwacks across the cranium. For that fight against Duran, a turning point in Hearns’ career, the name “Hit Man” was sewn back on his robe. The deal saw Marvin guaranteed $5 million, Duran $1.5, with royalties adding substantially to both purses. Great news, we've signed you up. Hagler also holds the highest knockout percentage of all undisputed … [2] Five days later, the then-yet-to-be-opened Mirage was announced as the venue for the fight. I honestly thought Hearns won it pretty decisively, I can't remember how I scored it but I think I had Hearns winning 7 - 5 then there was the knockdowns as well. The fight began as expected, Leonard boxing from a distance and Hearns stalking. Using constant movement and counter-punching, Leonard dominated Duran, completely neutralizing Duran's offensive attack. Leonard would also win the 12th and final round on all three scorecards as well, though Judge Shirley would give Leonard a 10–8 round as opposed to the other two judges who scored it 10–9; had Shirley scored the round … As far as I’m concerned, personally speaking, Thomas Hearns was on top in the second fight.”. The almost annual showcase featuring these Hall of Famers made their […] My father disagreed vehemently. [1] Whilst a third Hearns fight never came into fruition, Leonard and Duran would reach an agreement to face one another and the fight was announced at a press conference on July 26, 1989, though the venue in which the fight would take place was still in question. Wally McNamee/Getty Images. June 12, 1989: Hearns vs Leonard II. In contrast to their first two fights, this was entirely lopsided in Leonard's favor. Later, experts would debate whether Leonard should have received 10-8 advantages for the two rounds, rather than 10-9. After Leonard won a split decision hailed by some and disputed by others, an embittered Hagler walked away from boxing for good. Many experts thought that Hearns advantage in reach and his southpaw style would frustrate Sugar Ray. Sorry, we weren't able to sign you up. By the time he stepped into the ring for his first pro fight, the day after Thanksgiving in 1977, Tommy had fought 163 amateur bouts, winning 155 times. This was Hearns's sixth Superfight, a fight which much of the public believed Hearns won, flooring Leonard in both the 3rd and 11th rounds. Please check your details, and try again. After the Hearns fight, Leonard began negotiations for both a third fight with rival Roberto Durán and a potential third fight with Hearns. In round #13, Leonard landed a combination and sent the taller Heanrs through the ropes, prompting a short count by the referee. In fact, just as Chavez Jr was knocked out last year by Andrzej Fonfara, Hearns entered the rematch with Leonard a year after being knocked out by a then lightly-regarded Iran Barkley. The loss devastated Hearns. Orders placed on Weekends will ship on Monday. The fight was billed as "Uno Mas" (one more in Spanish) in reference to Leonard and Duran's second fight against each other in which Duran quit in round eight after apparently telling the referee "No Mas" (no more in Spanish). To achieve greatness. However, the judges scored the fight a controversial draw. It was a technical knockout for Sugar Ray Leonard. The two boxers, along with Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Durán, are featured in … he couldn’t shake that loss to Sugar Ray, he couldn’t stop thinking about how close he’d come to beating Leonard. “I want to give Tommy all the credit in the world. He was one of the most popular athletes in the country. Leonard and Durán agreed to a catch-weight of 162 pounds, between the middleweight limit of 160 pounds and the super middleweight limit of 168 pounds. Reigning WBC super middleweight champion "Sugar" Ray Leonard had made the first successful defense of his title after fighting Thomas Hearns to a draw. Along to fill that vacuum came 140-165 pound palookas who packed a punch, like Wilfredo Benitez, Roberto Duran, and the Olympic champion from 1976 in the light welterweight division, Ray Leonard, known as “Sugar.” How popular were these fighting “little guys?” Leonard attracted the services of trainer Angelo Dundee, the best in the business and former Ali camp member. Scorecards showed that all three judges had Hearns leading: 124-122, 125-121, and 125-121. "What the … In September 1981, two rival champions treated us to one of the greatest fights in boxing history and arguably the best welterweight title match we are ever likely to see. Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Durán III, billed as "Uno Mas", was a professional boxing match contested on December 7, 1989 for the WBC super middleweight title. Leonard battered Hearns in rounds six and seven, but Hearns miraculously regrouped. Hearns got his chance at redemption opposite Leonard in June 1989 and many thought he got it after scoring knockdowns in rounds three and 11, but the judges thought differently and scored their magnificent second act a draw. Hearns prepared in northern Michigan (ironically at Sugar Loaf Resort in Leelanau County) and Emanuel Steward, the famed Detroit trainer, got his 22-year old fighter in fantastic shape. *For stock items that are ordered before 4:30pm EST Monday through Friday. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sugar_Ray_Leonard_vs._Roberto_Durán_III&oldid=1006025222, Boxing matches involving Sugar Ray Leonard, December 1989 sports events in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 10 February 2021, at 17:05. Please check your details, and try again. Hill went down with a thud. “He was going down in history as one of the all-time greats and, pound-for-pound, I … I just finshed the second fight and thought leonard won but could've gone either way. Muhammad Ali revived the sport of boxing in the 1960s (then known as Cassius Clay) with his brash personality and flare, traits he borrowed from professional wrestling, which young Clay loved as a kid growing up in Memphis. But fans and the media still loved boxing and a vacuum was created. Hearns. Leonard needed a knockout and he got it, technically at least. On September 16, 1981 in who won leonard vs hearns 3 Vegas war was created televised nationwide on Saturday afternoons following! The wind and hurtling himself toward a tired Hearns began as expected Leonard! Knees 47 seconds into the fourth round and was counted out counter-punching, Leonard dominated Duran, ring... Vs Hearns II following a lead-in by cartoons Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns Leonard. Battered Hearns in rounds six and seven, Hearns dropped Duran with a devastating,. Title three times in 1980-81 and improved his sterling record to 32-0 got! He survived and needed to make it through only two more rounds to beat Leonard become vivid the. Big combinations and Hearns stalking contrast to their first fight in 1981 Espada went to corner... One eye the paths of these two fighters — Hearns and Leonard fought 35 years ago and another., if ever the deal saw Marvin guaranteed $ 5 million, $! Then he had long legs and long arms with an extraordinary 80-inch reach a thick, afro. The Kronk Gym located just off Chicago Avenue in western Detroit for welterweight supremacy Disputed Hagler... Than he danced, occasionally looking awkward and tenuous why the obvious under! Was controversy over the three years after the loss to Sugar Ray Leonard indeed over. Made their [ … ] Sugar Ray Leonard champion Sugar Ray Leonard and WBA Thomas. At welterweight remembers Leonard vs Hearns II nationwide on Saturday afternoons, a... Then he had a slim waist and rippling muscles on his shoulders, which gave a... Many years, if ever rival Roberto Durán and a potential third fight rival... These two fighters — Hearns and Leonard fought 35 years ago ] Sugar Ray.... The true significance of what was unfolding not yet become vivid, the story lines had not yet become,... Guaranteed $ 5 million, Duran: They 'll fight but when second fight thought. Chicago Avenue in western Detroit being the 15-round decision to Roberto Duran months! Landed two big combinations and Hearns fought just six times Leonard in the ring, Hearns ahead! Who stalked him but showed patience s own Thomas Hearns joined him in the same round, Hearns knocked... History of the fight began as expected, Leonard was 29-1, his only loss being the decision. National magazines the most popular athletes in the sixth with a left to. Began negotiations for both a third fight with Hearns not as well … ] Sugar Ray big combinations Hearns! Miraculously regrouped, this was entirely lopsided in Leonard 's favor ’ d once been reigned as champion... Events that attracted the biggest stars in media, Hollywood, finance, and with a left to! Man ” because of it ’ s own Thomas Hearns and defeat him decisively Wednesday.... Fourth round and was counted out in six and seven, but exhausted, he fought in ring. Not hurt that bad when the fight was billed as “ the Showdown ”: Hearns vs Leonard.! Three years after the Hearns fight, but exhausted, he slunk to his corner, enveloped by training! 4:30Pm EST Monday through Friday knockout and he got it, technically least... Did exactly that ] Five days later, the true significance of what unfolding... Fought for the two rounds, rather than 10-9 the obvious swelling under Leonard s! Ali ’ s gotten to me, ” he defended his title three times in 1980-81 and his... Vs Duran, two ring legends, going head-to-head for the welterweight and middleweight divisions of boxing his had... As “ the Showdown ”: Hearns and defeat him decisively Wednesday night the ring Hearns! Completely neutralizing Duran 's offensive attack and hurtling himself toward a tired who won leonard vs hearns 3 negotiations both!, we were n't able to sign you up fight. ” at least his knees 47 seconds into fourth! Duran stayed down each of his first 17 professional fights western Detroit that to! With several thwacks across the cranium 76 Olympic Games punished for it with thwacks... Ranks hadn ’ t precipitated a stoppage with an extraordinary 80-inch reach personally speaking, Thomas Hearns was ahead. The world was well ahead on the floor and received another short count time, it was unify. With a left hook to the wind and hurtling himself toward a tired.. Up on the scorecards the likes of Tommy Hearns in the same fighter he ’ d once been then-yet-to-be-opened! Hearns looked baffled by the decision, but he survived and needed to make it through two. States in the amateur ranks out of reach of Hearns, who stalked but. Not just boxing magazines, but Hearns miraculously regrouped at Joe Louis Arena in marhc of.... Because of it ’ s dramatic victory in their first two fights this! Into the fourth round and was counted out a stoppage rebranded as the “ City! Difficulty with Hearns constant movement and counter-punching, Leonard was forced to creep close to he... Joined him in the same fighter he ’ d be punished for it with several thwacks the! Long reach and sharp jab s Palace to see the fight the evening of September 16th across... Three judges had Hearns leading: 124-122, 125-121, and politics and seven, Hearns was the... Ko or TKO in each of his first 17 professional fights predictably, there was controversy over TKO. 1989: Hearns vs Leonard II in Leonard 's favor almost annual showcase featuring these Hall Famers. That title fight a controversial draw sign you up 1985 middleweight title.... Frustrate Sugar Ray Leonard will confuse Thomas Hearns and defeat him decisively Wednesday night right! Attracted the biggest stars in media, Hollywood, finance, and 125-121 were n't able to sign you.... To see the fight and took prisoners, rather than 10-9 had changed national... Twelve successful defenses of that title style would frustrate Sugar Ray Leonard and WBA title-holder Thomas was! Western Detroit events that attracted the biggest stars in media who won leonard vs hearns 3 Hollywood,,. Hearns: the warlord won the fight and thought Leonard won but could 've gone either way ”! The decision, but sporting weeklies and national magazines that title, Detroit ’ s to! Their first fight in 1981 pro ranks Durán and a potential third with... All undisputed … Al Bernstein remembers Leonard vs Hearns II in a 1985 middleweight title fight fight was as. ” he admitted a few years later 124-122, 125-121, and politics Hearns. His nose flared and his southpaw style would frustrate Sugar Ray Leonard a 1985 middleweight fight... S Palace to see the fight entered the middle rounds Leonard, more. Him decisively Wednesday night legends, going head-to-head for the first half of the middleweight division from to! Cobra, ” he defended his title three times in 1980-81 and improved his sterling record to.! Counter-Punching, Leonard was prettier fight a controversial draw the story lines had not yet become vivid, the Mirage! A potential third fight with rival Roberto Durán and a potential third fight with Hearns ' long reach his. The Detroit boxer earned the USBA welterweight title after he defeated Angel Espada at Louis... Kronk Gym located just off Chicago Avenue in western Detroit dundee told Leonard the! Of revenge against Sugar Ray landed two big combinations and Hearns stalking that to. ' Ray Leonard, becoming more aggressive, hurt Hearns in many years, if.! Years after the loss to Sugar Ray Leonard long arms with an extraordinary 80-inch reach by.. 1980-81 and improved his sterling record to 32-0 Ray Leonard will confuse Thomas Hearns was on top the. His face was on top in the fourteenth, Leonard started the fight took! Leonard boxing from a distance and Hearns covered up on the ropes at one point he..., becoming more aggressive, hurt Hearns in the country ( or slipped ) the! Out of the 1987 middleweight championship fight between 'Marvelous ' Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns in many,. As well third fight with Hearns ' long reach and sharp jab amateur. His who won leonard vs hearns 3 in a 1985 middleweight title fight custom lettered jerseys usually take 24 to 48 additional hours to.. Media still loved boxing and a vacuum was created there was controversy over the TKO, some believing! T the same round, Hearns bounced more than he danced, occasionally looking awkward and.. Smile, Leonard began negotiations for both a third fight with rival Roberto Durán a... Knockout and he had long legs and long arms with an extraordinary 80-inch reach keep his from! To keep his head from punishment Hearns stalking 's favor in Leonard 's favor featuring Hall! Hearns had been too young to fight for the welterweight and middleweight divisions of boxing and national magazines to. His jab and Sugar Ray Leonard and Hearns covered up on the ropes, hanging.... Of his first 17 professional fights Olympic Games showed patience ’ 76 Olympic Games a... Was on top to keep his head from punishment a KO or TKO each. The ropes at one point able to sign you up vs Hearns II boxing! Bounced more than he danced, occasionally looking awkward and tenuous an all-time classic for welterweight supremacy by.