The late-great Marvin Hagler once revealed the hardest puncher that he ever faced during his illustrious professional career.
The Newark-native began his rise to stardom during the 1980s where he would reign as the undisputed world middleweight champion for seven years between 1980 and 1987.
He played a key role during one of the greatest eras in boxing history alongside former rivals Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns, who would go on to be recognised as ‘The Four Kings’.
After he suffered a controversial points defeat to Leonard in April of 1987, Hagler opted to announce his retirement from boxing when a rematch with his countryman fell through.
In a resurfaced feature with The Ring Magazine, Hagler was tasked with naming his hardest hitting opponent having shared the ring with many heavy-hitters during his tenure.
“John Mugabi and Hearns because they came to fight.”
Hagler and Hearns crossed paths at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 15th 1985, a bout that was dubbed ‘The War’ and one that certainly lived up to its expectations.
In the space of three exhilarating rounds, the legendary American duo produced some of the most memorable action in boxing history but it was Hagler who prevailed on the night, stopping his countryman in the third round to retain his world middleweight championship for the fourth time.
As for the clash with Mugabi, Hagler fought him in his penultimate bout at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas back in March 1986, claiming an 11th round stoppage win to retain his undisputed middleweight crown after a competitive back and forth contest.
