I recently saw a post of Facebook about the 30 year anniversary of the Marvin Hagler vs Tommy Hearns fight. I remember watching the fight with my father on the TV he used to have in his bedroom. We were both lying on his bed and watching.
The fight had created quite a feeling of anticipation. People understood these were two champions at the top of their game.
I remember the fight fondly, not only because of the memory of being with my dad, but also because it was the first time as a child that I was aware of a great athletic performance. You always remember the first time.
I had been doing Karate for a few years already and I remember people in the dojo talking about the fight. My sensei had picked Hearns to win. I remember favoring Hagler because I always felt that his technical style was better than Hearn’s wild antics.
Later Hearn’s claimed that early in the fight he broke his right hand hitting Hagler on top of the head. I really don’t know if this has ever been confirmed. You can kind of tell that at some point he starts using the hand gingerly which was strange. After all, his right hand was one of his most devastating weapons.
The fight is really nonstop action. It was only three rounds. And both fighters had each other at one point or another. I really feel either man could have won that one. It was an amazing display of athleticism. You really don’t see fights like this one anymore. It really makes me wonder what the Mayweather vs Pacquiao will be like.
Here it is the Hagler vs Hearns fight in its entirety. Take the time and watch the whole thing. It’s worth it.
