Marvin Hagler Brings “WAR” To Thomas Hearns and Births a Legend
Hall of Fame Inductee “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler rose to stardom in the mid-80s following his bout with Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns and has been a household name since. However, his arrival on the big stage is a story in itself. In the build-up to his showdown with The Hitman, Hagler gave boxing its most legendary symbolism in one word: “WAR”!
Hagler was known for having a mean streak of a more brutal nature. Moreover, he conditioned himself mentally and physically to become the best in the sport. Throughout most of his career, the Hall of Fame Inductee felt the sport abandoned him while living in the shadow of Sugar Ray Leonard.
As the face of the sport, Leonard retired from boxing in 1984 due to a detached retina. This left a huge void in terms of star power in the sport, and Hagler felt this was the perfect opportunity to finally get his much-deserved respect.
THE HAT THAT BIRTHED A LEGEND
Standing in Hagler’s way of superstardom was WBC junior middleweight champion Thomas Hearns. Both fighters promised action and pain in the most brutal fashion. However, Hagler stole the press conference by wearing the iconic “WAR” hat while explaining his mindset.
“That’s what I feel – war. That’s what’s on my mind. I’ve been feeding the faith and I’ve been starving the doubt. So there’s no doubt in my mind that I can’t win this fight or that I won’t knock Thomas Hearns out.”
LIVING UP TO THE MOMENT
On April 15, 1985, the undisputed champion was true to his words as he approached the fight with all intentions of stopping Hearns in an all-out war. As both men bit down on their mouthpieces during fierce exchanges, the taller challenger opened a cut on the forehead of Hagler. This angered the undisputed champion who went into beast mode, punishing Hearns before knocking him out with a brutal right hand in the third round.
In the most violent fashion imaginable, Hagler’s victory thrust him into instant stardom and the “WAR” hat became a symbol of his determination.
By: Bo Bland
