Marvin Hagler was one of Four Kings alongside Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard.
On November 10, 1983, Hagler defended his middleweight crown against Panama’s Duran in a tactical 15-round contest. Duran boxed smartly and became the first man to go the distance with Hagler as champion, however would lose via unanimous decision.
Just under two years later, Hagler faced ‘Hitman’ Hearns in what was dubbed simply ‘The War.’ The fight exploded from the opening bell – widely considered the greatest first round in boxing history. Though Hearns landed big shots, it was Hagler’s relentless pressure and power that prevailed. He scored a dramatic third-round stoppage in an all-time classic affair.
Hagler’s final bout came on April 6, 1987, against the returning Sugar Ray Leonard, who had not fought in nearly three years. Leonard employed speed, movement, and well-timed activity. After 12 close rounds, he was awarded a controversial split decision win. The result remains hotly debated to this day. Left with a sour taste by the outcome, Hagler never fought again.
In a ‘Best I Faced’ feature with the Ring Magazine, the middleweight great would name Duran as his top opponent.
“I would still say Roberto Duran [had the best skills]. 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], very experienced.”
Despite the praise, Duran – naturally smaller than his rivals – actually went 1–5 against the other members of the Four Kings, scoring his sole victory over Sugar Ray Leonard in their first bout in 1980. He lost the rematch and a later fight to Leonard, was knocked out by Thomas Hearns in two rounds, and dropped that competitive decision to Hagler in 1983.
