SUGAR RAY LENNARD'S BIG 5: THE HEARNS CONFLICT

SUGAR RAY LENNARD'S BIG 5: THE HEARNS CONFLICT

Different categories, different styles in the ring, different feuds outside of it. The elements we consider when determining the greatest boxing matches in history are too many. But for some, there's no doubt they'll rank high on almost any chart. Such is the case with the great fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns. Together with Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler, they were part of the "Four Kings". A group of boxers who contested the top in incredible fights. One of them was Leonard Hearns.

In 1981, the two arranged a match at one of the most suitable places - "Caesar's Palace" in Las Vegas. The winner takes 3 different welterweight championship belts. Before the match, Sugar Ray has two and Thomas Hearns has one. The format of the meeting is 15 rounds. But a lot of viewers are expecting a quicker end because they are both great knockouts.

The match starts as expected. Leonard tries to box from a greater distance, while Hearns stalks the opponent with his long arms. In the 5th round, an ever-increasing bulge forms under Sugar Ray's left eye. By the 6th round, the fight looked even with Hearns having a slight advantage. Then the holder of 30 knockouts from 32 Thomas is pinned against the ropes and miraculously survives.

Gradually Hers recovered. He begins to move better in the ring and accumulate points. The roles from the start of the match have been reversed. Sugar Ray is forced to defend himself. The match becomes slow and mostly tactical. Surprising considering he's up against the best knockout and most hitter of his opponents in the division.

After 12 rounds, the judges are unanimous and show a score of 9:3 rounds in favor of Hearns. For Leonard, the only alternative remains to take his tough opponent to the ground. Even Sugar Ray's trainer Angelo Dungey tells him, "You're losing, boy, you're losing!".

Leonard has his eye almost shut, but in the 13th round he explodes with a combination of hard shots that starts with a stunning right. Hearns' legs are clearly softening and he's on the ropes. Thomas survives, but only briefly. In the 14th round, it all ends. The referee stopped another series of punches by Leonard and stopped the match. Hearns led in points at the time. Ring later named this the "Match of the Year". And we define him as one of the greatest in the history of boxing. Leonard earned his 31st win in his 32nd professional game.

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