They were the very best of boxing in the 1980s and, across several fights, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns all tried to conquer one another.
Whether you call them The Four Kings or The Fabulous Four, the quartet produced fight nights that will never be forgotten.
Duran, of course, was not just a man of the 1980s — his career began in 1968 and ended in 2001. Over 119 fights, he boxed Leonard twice in 1980 before a third meeting in 1989, faced Hagler in 1983, and took on Hearns the following year.
Arguably his greatest moment came against Leonard during The Brawl in Montreal, which was his only victory over the elite trio. All three possessed world-class qualities: Leonard’s speed, Hagler’s versatility and combinations, and Hearns’ destructive power. But which of the three did Duran believe had the best chin? He revealed his pick whilst speaking to The Ring.
“I hit Hagler with a lot of punches and he just kept coming. I didn’t find him as skilful as some of the opponents I faced but he was the toughest.”
Having started his career at 119lbs — one pound above the bantamweight limit — Duran went on to win world titles at lightweight, welterweight and super-welterweight before challenging Hagler for the undisputed middleweight championship in November 1983.
To Hagler’s surprise, Duran chose to box smart rather than attempt to bully “Marvelous” Marvin. After 13 rounds, the champion was in danger of losing his titles, with Duran ahead on two cards and the third level. Hagler, however, dug deep and closed the show strongly to retain his belts on points.
