Marvin Hagler led the charge of middleweight boxing's golden era in the 1980s. His reign as undisputed champion got defined by fierce battles against Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Hagler's first major test came in November 1983 when he faced Roberto Duran. The champion retained his middleweight title over 15 grueling rounds, winning by unanimous decision. This fight set the stage for what was to come.
In April 1985, Hagler stepped into the ring with Thomas Hearns. The bout lasted only three rounds but packed enough action to be considered one of the most thrilling fights in boxing history. Hagler emerged victorious, stopping Hearns by TKO in a short but brutal encounter filled with ferocious exchanges.
The final chapter of Hagler's storied career came in April 1987 when he faced Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard, returning after a three-year layoff, used his superior speed and movement to outpoint Hagler. The split decision victory for Leonard remains a topic of debate among boxing fans to this day. This controversial result led to Hagler's retirement from the sport.
Despite these memorable battles, Hagler considers Roberto Duran as his toughest opponent. He explained:
"He caught me for three rounds at the start of the fight, which I didn't understand … I would still say Roberto Duran [is the most skillful]. I loved that fight the most because between the both of us it brought out our skill … I would say Roberto Duran was [the best overall]. He was very experienced."
Duran's reputation as a fierce competitor is well-earned. The Panamanian fighter achieved world champion status in four different weight classes. He was known for his ferocious, brawling style and incredible punching power.
Against the other members of boxing's 'Four Kings' - Hagler, Leonard, and Hearns - Duran's record stands at one win and three losses. He managed to defeat Leonard once but fell short against both Hagler and Hearns. It's worth noting that this record doesn't tell the whole story, as it doesn't account for the different weight classes and activity levels of each fighter.
Hagler's battles with Duran, Hearns, and Leonard defined an era. These four fighters, known collectively as the 'Four Kings', pushed each other to greatness and left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing.
