Greatest Boxing Matches of the 80s: Marvin Hagler against Thomas Hearns
The most memorable short match in middleweight history
Boxing matches in the 1980s are something special because the competitors have only one thing on their minds. Just about how to satisfy the fans and offer a spectacle that will take the sport to a very high level. It is no coincidence that an extremely large number of matches from this period have been called some of the greatest.
However, one of them stands out and its greatness still resonates. It's about the fight between Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hurst for the world heavyweight titles. A fight that is hailed as the greatest short match in the history of this division.
The Marvelous Marvin Huggles is the undisputed middleweight champion and holds every belt possible, and Thomas Hearns is the challenger determined to take away his titles and greatness in a match played in the month of April 1985. The Killer, as Hearns is nicknamed, has just one loss in his previous 41 fights, and 34 of those have come via knockout. Hagless also has impressive statistics – 60 wins, 50 of which by knockout, 2 draws and only 2 losses. The Contender is known as a cunning competitor who is one of the most difficult to defeat because he skillfully waits for the moment to deliver the fatal blow, while Marvelous is known for his power and in-ring skills.
The very first round at Caesars Palace in the state of Nevada, however, shows that we will be looking at something unusual. Hagler, who starts his matches sparingly, attacked Hearns from the opening seconds, landing several powerful right rights. But without thinking about the defense, the challenger lands a right to the chin and is rocked. Seconds later, another right from "The Incredible" follows and Hearns is sent to the ropes for a second time, landing a powerful left hook. The challenger miraculously stays on his feet, but is forced to take the fight to his comfortable slower tempo to have any chance. This happens only in seconds, after which it is time for another exchange of blows between the two boxers. Nobody thinks about defense and soon there is an open wound on the world champion's forehead, but he only looks at how to hurt his opponent even more and end the match in the first part. Until the final gong, both remain on their feet, and the words about the round in the most famous sports publications are simply phenomenal. The Ring magazine called it the greatest round in the history of boxing until 1985. And two of the judges give the advantage to Hagler.
At the start of the second half, it looked like Hearns was struggling on his feet and just trying to slow down the pace. He's unconvincing in his movements, trying to avoid Marvelous' punches, and, as then-HBO commentator Sugar Ray Leonard put it, looks like he has rubber legs. After the game, Hearns admitted that he wasn't in the best physical shape when it comes to that part of the body. The world champion can even afford a change of guard, but quickly returns to his usual reverse to counter with a powerful right from Hearns. By the end of the round, the challenger was taking a series of hard shots and things looked bad for him again, but once again there was one judge to give the part in favor of Hearns.
In the third round, it was "The Killer" again who tried to control the pace, and just a minute into the round, the wound on Hagler's forehead opened and a serious amount of blood began to flow down the champion's face. Referee Richard Steele considered stopping the bout, but the doctor confirmed that the injury was not affecting his vision. Threatened to lose the match due to the wound he received, Marvelous begins to attack with incredible aggression. Hearns is against the ropes, but smiles to suggest he didn't take that much of a hit. The champion does not stop chasing his opponent all over the ring and delivers a powerful right to his chin, then, falling forward, Hearns also receives two uppercuts. The challenger is on the ground, and although he gets to his feet as the referee counts to 9, it doesn't look like he can continue. Steele stops the match and a bloodied Hagler celebrates one of his sweetest victories in the ring.
The match will be remembered for the monstrous pace imposed by both boxers. With the craziness that "Marvelous" undertakes to defend his world titles, but also with the intransigence of Hearns, who hangs on until the end and shows incredible tactical skills that at times surprise the champion.
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