The brutal artistry of Hagler vs. Hearns

Ingo Wegerich

5th August, 2025

EVEN the most hardened boxing fans could hardly believe what they were witnessing. There was no feeling-out process, not even for a second. From the opening bell at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, undisputed middleweight champion ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler and Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns, the junior middleweight king of the World Boxing Council, moving up in weight, tore into each other with unrelenting fury.

Billed as “The War,” the bout shattered all expectations. In just eight unforgettable minutes, boxing witnessed one of its greatest battles. Hagler and Hearns were immortalised and united forever through a battle like no other. The War still echoes as one of the most electrifying fights of all time.

This legendary war has an official fight artwork that featured on official fight posters. The artwork was painted by renowned American artist LeRoy Neiman, who painted both fighters separately. While it is unknown where the Hagler original is and who owns it, the Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns original [pictured below left] is owned by the Wegerich Collection.

The Artist

LeRoy Neiman (1921–2012) was a celebrated American artist known for his bold, colourful depictions of sports, especially boxing. With his expressive, energetic style, he captured the drama of legendary bouts and fighters like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and George Foreman.

Neiman became the go-to artist for major fights, often painting ringside and turning boxing into vivid, unforgettable art. His work remains iconic in both the art and boxing worlds.

Hagler vs. Hearns Artwork — Copyright: LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation.

The Hagler vs. Hearns Painting

This vibrant expressionist painting captures the intensity and determination of legendary boxer Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns perfectly. Rendered in Neiman’s signature bold brushstrokes and fiery colour palette dominated by reds and oranges, the portrait radiates raw energy and motion.

Hearns is shown in a dynamic pose with piercing eyes and raised gloves, embodying the power and aggression he brought to the ring.

The background, a chaotic blend of crimson hues, evokes the heat and violence of battle, making this piece not just a portrait but a visceral tribute to one of boxing’s most electrifying fighters.

Furthermore, it is also important to note that this artwork wasn’t painted for just any fight, but for his war against Marvin Hagler. The fiery colours, Hearns’s gaze, and his combative attitude perfectly demonstrate that he was on a mission for a true firefight and that it was personal for him.

Personal Notes from The Owner

I purchased this painting directly from the LeRoy Neiman Foundation. I flew to New York for a fight—I don’t remember which fight it was—and had arranged a visit beforehand. Seeing LeRoy Neiman’s studio was a very special personal experience for me.

I viewed several paintings during the appointment, including this one. What a treasure! The painting itself is no bigger than my hand. The fight is so historic, everyone knows it.

The Neiman Foundation sold me this painting, among others, because I promised to show it publicly and to make boxing in art—and the artists—known worldwide.