It’s been a few months since the fans last relished an episode of ‘Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson‘ for one last time. Thanks to YouTube, scores still revisit some of the memorable episodes and their bits and pieces. One of Hotboxin’s episodes that seems to have found resurgent popularity among followers features legends Thomas Hearns, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, and ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley.
Especially, the sequence where Leonard and Hearns face off appears to have hit the mark, rousing fond memories among scores of fans. Sharing the clip through his Instagram post, Hearns, who will turn 66 a month from now, time traveled 43 years back. On September 18, 1981, young and hungry warriors, he and Leonard squared off for the first time. It didn’t take much before several fans joined to appreciate the lasting legacy and impact of the legends who may have physically aged but still exuded that intense youthful drive.
When Titans Converge
“Yesterday was our 43-year anniversary for our first bout in 1981; the world still remembers the night I stood toe-to-toe with @sugarrayleonard.” Thus wrote Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns. He further added that the fight was more than just your typical contest. It was an epic showdown that has since left a perpetual imprint on the boxing landscape.
The first sequence of the Hotboxin’ episode features Ray Leonard standing and inciting Thomas Hearns for a face-off. They had just reviewed their 1989 rematch, the one that ended in a split decision draw. Not on camera, but Hearns could be heard saying, “Don’t try to size me up,” after Leonard told him that he could still knock him down.
However, he got up to see Leonard eye-to-eye, so many years after they fought for the last time. Mike Tyson felt that Hearns had evidently decreased in height. ‘You used to look like 6’3″,” he said. The next slide shows the trio discussing family affairs. Thomas Hearn shared that he had three sons, the oldest being 37 years old.
Thomas Hearns, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard: The Unfading Heroes
Nevertheless, for the fans, it was all about ‘The Showdown’, the 1981 clash. Let’s check what a few fans said about the commemoration. Expressing a deep admiration for Thomas Hearns, this fan highlighted the place the former champion held in Detroit’s boxing sub-culture. They said, “The Hitman! One of my favorite fighters and a staple of Detroit boxing.”
The next fan acknowledged ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard’s qualities. However, they couldn’t help but emphasize why Thomas Hearns remained their all-time favorite. Though at times vulnerable, ‘The Hitman’s exceptional athleticism and the deadly combination of his lead-hand jab and the powerful right simply made him stand apart from the rest. They admitted, ” I love Ray Leonard, but Tommy hears my all-time favorite fighter. Yes, his chin let him down a few times, but the athleticism and the spite in his jab and the right hand”
For the next fan, though, it was all about Ray Leonard’s singular bravery. “Really, Leonard was a brave man to face the Fantastic 4 being one of them (Hagler, Hearns, and Durán),” stated the fan. One just needs to look at the way he fended off challenges from greats such as Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
The next follower recalled the 1981 classic. They still find it astounding for the way Hearns forced an unusual change in Ray Leonard’s fighting style. They said, “It was one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen. I had no clue Hearns would outbox Leonard and force him to become the brawler. It was an instant classic. #fourkings.”
Hearns and Leonard might be old, but to this fan, they still appeared fit as a fiddle: “They both look amazing even in their 60’s.” Clearly, the nostalgia is just irreplaceable when it involves such legends as Leonard and Hearns. For many, it’s an opportunity to stack up the presence and see how and where boxing has reached in its long journey.
The fifteen-round bout began with a strong show from Thomas Hearns. However, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, who initially found it difficult to break through Hearns’ reach, rallied back and fought aggressively. Regaining his focus, Hearns marched back into the fight, securing victories in rounds nine to twenty. But Leonard turned the tide by the thirteenth round. A flurry of punches saw Hearns leaning on the ropes. Not losing any momentum, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard unleashed a brutal attack that left Thomas Hearns totally answerless. Thankfully, the referee saved him from further misery by waving his hands to stop the fight. ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard thus became an undisputed welterweight champion.
