The Fab Four Boxing: Reliving the Last Golden Era - The Legends of the Ring

Throughout the history of boxing, there have been several eras that are remembered for their incredible talent, unforgettable rivalries, and historic matchups. However, one particular era stands out as the last golden age of boxing - The Fab Four era.

During the 1980s, four legendary fighters emerged, captivating the world with their exceptional skills, unique styles, and indomitable spirits. These boxers, known as The Fab Four, were Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Durán. Their battles inside the ring would define an entire era of boxing and create a lasting legacy that still resonates today.

The Rise of The Fab Four

Sugar Ray Leonard, with his dazzling speed, quick reflexes, and charismatic personality, was the first to achieve worldwide fame. Leonard, an Olympic gold medalist, turned professional in 1977 and soon became a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.

The Fab Four (Boxing's Last Golden Era Book 1)

by Lea Worrall(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6996 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	780 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Thomas Hearns, on the other hand, possessed a devastating punch and an imposing stature. Standing at 6'1" with an 82-inch reach, Hearns was a natural welterweight who later moved up to win titles in multiple weight classes, including the junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions.

Marvin Hagler, often touted as one of the toughest fighters to ever step into the ring, dominated the middleweight division for over a decade. With his relentless work ethic, granite chin, and relentless aggression, Hagler was a formidable opponent for anyone who dared to challenge him.

Roberto Durán, hailing from Panama, was a true warrior in the ring. With his aggressive style and unparalleled determination, Durán conquered multiple weight divisions, including lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, and middleweight.

The Epic Battles

The Fab Four fighters faced each other in a series of unforgettable clashes that generated enormous excitement and anticipation. These fights would not only determine their individual legacies but also shape the narrative of an entire generation of boxing enthusiasts.

The first meeting between two members of The Fab Four occurred on November 30, 1980. Sugar Ray Leonard challenged Roberto Durán for the WBC welterweight title in what would later be known as the "Brawl in Montreal." Durán, with his relentless pressure, managed to outpoint Leonard and handed him his first professional defeat.

Seven months later, in the famous "No Más" bout, Leonard sought redemption and faced Durán once again. This time, Leonard's speed and superior boxing skills overwhelmed Durán, leading him to utter the words "No más" (No more) in the eighth round, signaling his surrender and solidifying Leonard's comeback.

Meanwhile, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler were on their collision course. On April 15, 1985, they engaged in an epic battle which would become known as the "War." Hagler, the reigning undisputed middleweight champion, faced Hearns, who was moving up in weight, in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in boxing history. The three-round war ended with Hagler scoring a third-round knockout victory, showcasing the raw power and determination of both fighters.

Finally, the most anticipated fight of all took place on April 6, 1987. Sugar Ray Leonard, coming out of retirement, faced Marvin Hagler for the WBC middleweight title. The fight was a masterclass in boxing strategy, with Leonard using his speed and movement to outbox Hagler in a split decision victory that remains highly debated among boxing fans to this day.

Lasting Legacy

The Fab Four era truly represented the pinnacle of boxing excellence. Their memorable battles captivated the world and transformed the sport forever. These fighters brought the best out of each other, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible inside the ring.

Individually, each member of The Fab Four left an indelible mark on the sport. Sugar Ray Leonard became a multiple division world champion and a symbol of resilience and skill. Thomas Hearns showcased his knockout power, securing his place among the greatest punchers in boxing history. Marvin Hagler's legendary reign as the middleweight champion solidified his status as one of the all-time greats. Roberto Durán's relentless will and warrior spirit made him a boxing icon in his own right.

Their influence extended beyond the competition itself. The Fab Four inspired future generations of boxers, shaping the fighting styles and careers of many up-and-coming fighters. They set the bar high and continue to be revered as paragons of the sport.

The Fab Four era will forever be remembered as the last golden age of boxing. Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Durán were more than just talented fighters; they were legends who defined an entire era. Their battles inside the ring were nothing short of epic, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport and its fans.

As boxing enthusiasts, let us celebrate and honor The Fab Four for their contributions to the sweet science. Their names will always be etched in the annals of boxing history, reminding us of a time when four extraordinary individuals took the world by storm and became true legends of the ring.

The Fab Four (Boxing's Last Golden Era Book 1)

by Lea Worrall(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6996 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	780 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns were involved in the last golden era of boxing; a time where proving to be the best around was far more important than losing an unbeaten record. These four warriors had some epic struggles between 1980 to 1989. Throw Wilfred Benitez into the mix and you have one of the best periods in boxing of all time.

Duran: Brought up in great poverty, there was nothing he wouldn't do to provide for his family. This dark-eyed warrior liked nothing more to inflict pain and suffering on his opponents in the ring; outside it he was a good-hearted and generous man.

Hagler: The mean, brooding middleweight felt the boxing authorities were against him from winning the world middleweight championship. The blue-collar champion, who would apply Vaseline to his own face and carry his own gym bag, reigned supreme for seven years and to this day still feels aggrieved his points defeat in his final contest was a robbery.

Leonard: The darling of boxing turned professional to the tune of $40,000, casting an envious eye from the more established practitioners. He had a knack of retiring for long periods and coming back against all the odds. This charismatic man, who faced boxing's best, had to tackle his own personal demons outside the ring.

Hearns: Wasn't noted as a puncher in the amateur ranks, only to take the professional scene by storm, knocking out almost every man he faced. He made history by becoming the first five-weight world champion.

The Fab Four will take you from their humble beginnings to the pinnacles of each man's careers and beyond...