‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard Reflects on His Iconic Fight With Tommy Hearns 40 Years Later

Published 09/17/2021, 9:30 AM EDT

A huge chunk of the greatest tussles in boxing came in the retro era, wherein fighters possessed an altogether uncommon fighting mindset. Regardless of the weight class, all the technicians back then used to go for the kill and that’s why ‘Sweet Science’ became one of the most loved sports in the 1980s and 1990s. Also, major credit of the same goes to fighters like ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns who allured the fans with one of their iconic fights.

Ray Leonard and Hearns fought each other for the very first time in 1981. This was a 15-round bout for the WBC and WBA welterweight title. Recently, ‘Sugar’, on the 40th anniversary of this fight, took it to Twitter, wherein he spoke on this fight.

He said, “It took place 40 years ago, right here at Caesars Palace, Tommy, you remember?”

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40 YEARS AGO TODAY! 🤯 Sept. 16, 1981 vs. @realtommyhearns . It was nearly 100°F in the ring, I was down at the end of the 12th round & Angelo Dundee gave the perfect sound bite “you’re blowing it son! You’re blowing it!” & that activated my reserve to come back & win. pic.twitter.com/PEY1tIK0xs
— Sugar Ray Leonard (@SugarRayLeonard) September 16, 2021

Ray Leonard walked in as an underdog as Hearns displayed an immaculate track record. As expected, the fight began on a dominant note for Hearns.

At one point, it looked as if ‘HitmanMotor’ would finish his adversary inside 7 rounds. However, ‘Sugar’, who had other ideas, kept himself calm and composed. He grew into the fight and began attacking Hearns well.

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Later, as he figured out that his defense wasn’t in check, he made a shift to tackle Hearns’ punches. Finally, in round 14, Leonard smothered Hearns with a string of punches and the referee stopped the fight to save ‘HitmanMotor’.

‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns fight won the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year in 1981

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There were many noteworthy fights that entertained the fans in 1981. Yet, none of the bouts could come close to Leonard vs Hearns’ tussle.

For obvious reasons, this fight is established in the history books, and budding boxers should seek some inspiration out of it.

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Moreover, with the show both these fighters put up, this fight won the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. How well do you remember this fight? Let us know in the comments section.

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Written by:

Prathamesh Singh Chauhan is a Boxing Author at EssentiallySports. He is a graduate from the International Institute of Sports Management who combines his love for sports, particularly combat sports, and his flair for writing and analysis to help him in his day-to-day work. He has prior professional experience with sporting organizations such as Star Sports, Khelo India, and NBA.

‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard Reflects on His Iconic Fight With Tommy Hearns 40 Years Later

‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns fight won the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year in 1981

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