Leonard said Hearns gave him the toughest fights despite victories over Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvin Hagler
Sugar Ray Leonard believes Thomas Hearns was the best fighter from boxing’s legendary “Four Kings” era despite Leonard officially defeating all three of his biggest rivals. Leonard pointed to Hearns’ style, danger, and unforgettable first fight as reasons why “The Hitman” stood above the rest.
Leonard gave his answer while reflecting on his rivalry with Hearns, the towering puncher who twice pushed him to the limit across two memorable fights in the 1980s.
“It was Tommy [Hearns]. I don’t think anything matches our first fight,” Leonard said that to The Ring while discussing the group of icons that defined the era. Leonard remains the only member of the Four Kings to officially own victories over the other three, though several of those outcomes remain debated by fans decades later.
Leonard lost the first fight with Roberto Duran in 1980 before winning the rematch later that year in the famous “No Más” fight. His 1987 victory over Hagler also remains one of boxing’s most controversial decisions, with many observers believing Hagler’s pressure and aggression deserved the nod over Leonard’s movement and late flurries.
Hearns, meanwhile, may have presented the most dangerous style of all for Leonard. Their first fight in 1981 saw Hearns build an early lead and badly trouble Leonard with his jab, reach, and right hand before Leonard rallied for a dramatic 14th-round stoppage.
The pair met again in 1989, ending in a split draw that many fans and media members believed Hearns deserved to win after scoring two knockdowns and landing the heavier punches throughout much of the fight.
Leonard himself later admitted Hearns may have earned that decision, which helps explain why he still places “The Hitman” above the rest of boxing’s most celebrated generation.