The latest super-fight was set for April 15th at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. After a whirlwind press tour in January, both boxers went to training camp. It was the biggest fight in boxing in years, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
I went to the Spectrum in Philadelphia to see the fight on closed circuit on a Monday evening. I had a pretty good seat with a good view on the floor, and honestly was rooting for Hearns to win. I knew it would be a difficult task however, since Marvin was left handed and had a granite chin.
The first round was one of the most exciting in history, with both men throwing bombs. Hearns actually rocked Hagler with a solid right, but the champ returned big punches back. The back and forth action continued until the bell rang, but Marvin was in control in my view.
The second round action was not as brisk, and Hearns began to try and box. It was later revealed he had broken his hand in the first, and that explained why he was throwing mostly roundhouse right hands. Hagler was gaining momentum, and clearly the stronger fighter. Despite a bad cut on his forehead in round 3, Marvin plodded forward against his weaking opponent. He knocked Hearns down and out in the third, ending a tremendous three rounds of action, and making it clear that Marvelous Marvin Hagler was the face of boxing in 1985.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
