The era of the ‘Four Kings’ was one of the most fascinating times in the history of boxing, as four boxing greats jostled for recognition, belts and legacy. Although, when Marvin Hagler was quizzed on the best opponent of his career, he gave a surprise answer.
Hagler held the undisputed middleweight world title for seven years during the 1980s; one of the most legendary reigns of all time when considering the opposition that he faced.
During that period, Hagler overcame the likes of Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and John Mugabi, before being controversially dethroned by Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987 and then retiring out of frustration at not obtaining a rematch with his Four King rival.
Speaking to The Ring, Hagler named Duran as the standout opponent of his career, despite overcoming the Panamanian sensation by unanimous decision in their 1983 scrap and being defeated by Leonard.
“Duran; I would say Roberto Duran was very experienced.”
Duran became a four-weight world champion during his illustrious career, claiming world honours at lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight and middleweight as he ended with a final record of 103 wins from 119 fights.
Hagler did manage to give some tongue-in-cheek credit to Leonard, admitting that the five-division champion had the best defence and fastest feet of any of his opponents, but only because he ‘did not come to fight’ and ‘ran’.
Hagler sadly passed away back in 2021 and is remembered fondly by the world of boxing as one of the most fearless, genuine and old-school characters ever witnessed in the sport.
