In the eyes of many, Sugar Ray Leonard is one of the greatest fighters to have ever graced the sport of boxing.
The North Carolina-native made his professional debut back in 1977, just months on from his success at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, which he walked away from with a Light-Welterweight Gold Medal.
Leonard would go on to win world titles across five weight classes throughout the course of his 20-year professional career, as well as capturing the undisputed welterweight championship in 1981.
He became a member of the iconic ‘Four Kings’ during the 1980s alongside former rivals Thomas Hearns, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran, racking up victories over each of this legendary trio during his tenure.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine in a round of ‘Best I Faced’, Leonard made no mistake in naming countryman Hearns as the best overall fighter that he ever faced, having shared the ring with ‘The Hitman’ on two occasions.
“It was Tommy [Hearns]. I don’t think anything matches our first fight.”
Leonard and Hearns clashed for the first time back in September 1981, a memorable contest that ended with ‘The Hitman’ suffering a 14th round stoppage defeat to Leonard, who became the undisputed champion at 147lbs in the process.
Their rematch came four years after their first encounter, and after another all-action showdown between the legendary American duo, the bout was declared a split decision draw as both fighters successfully retained their super-middleweight world titles.
It has been argued that ‘The Hitman’ should have had his hand raised in their rematch, a debate that has captured the attention of boxing fans and critics for many years.
