Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, And Duran: The Four Kings

In every era of boxing, there have been choice individuals who’ve ruled their divisions. Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis led the heavyweights early in the 20th century. Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano were big names in their respective divisions in the ‘50s. Muhammad Ali took over in the ‘60s and ‘70s. While Mike Tyson made quite a name for himself in the ‘80s, four men took the competition to a whole new level.

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The Four Kings of Boxing as they were known started their careers in the ‘70s, amassing impressive records in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Maybe they knew it, or maybe they didn’t, but these four men were on a collision course that would set the stage for one of the most, if not, THE most exciting era the boxing world has ever known.

Sugar Ray Leonard lost his first battle against Roberto Duran but avenged his loss with the “No Mas” fight. He would go on to beat both Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

Robert “The Hands of Stone” Duran would get beaten by both Tommy Hearns and Hagler but would win the respect of millions by being the smallest of these four fighters.

Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns and “Marvelous Marvin Hagler” would have that one unforgettable three-round fight that many boxing experts and historians refer to simply as the War. Many sportswriters believe it to be the greatest boxing match in history.

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I’m Shaun Benderson, a budding sports blogger and University of Florida student. For more interesting sports stories, follow me on Twitter.