Thomas Hearns defended his WBC world light middleweight title against Roberto Duran
Date: June 15, 1984
Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Hearns stance: orthodox
Duran stance: orthodox
Thomas Hearns turned pro in 1977, and was transformed from a light punching amateur into a power punching destroyer by trainer Emmanuel Steward. He won the WBA welterweight title in 1980 with a second round stoppage of José Cuevas. After three defences that ended early, Hearns faced WBC champion Sugar Ray Leonard in a unification bout, and was stopped in the 14th round despite being ahead on the judges' cards. After three routine wins, Hearns won the WBC light middleweight title in 1982, with a majority decision over Wilfred Benitez. The fight against Duran was the second defence of this title.
Roberto Duran became WBA lightweight champion in 1972, when he stopped Ken Buchanan in the 13th round. Duran defended his title 12 times, with 11 wins inside the distance. In 1980, Duran won the WBC welterweight tile, with a points verdict over Sugar Ray Leonard. Duran lost the rematch a few months later, when he quit in the eighth round. Duran challenged Wilfred Benitez for his WBC light middleweight title, and lost on points a few months before Hearns challenged for the same belt. Duran won the WBA light middleweight title thanks to an eighth round stoppage of Davey Moore. In his next bout, Duran challenged Marvin Hagler for the undisputed middleweight crown, and lost a close points decision.
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Thomas Hearns - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/303
Roberto Duran - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000080
