The War (boxing)

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For other uses of the term, see The War

The War was the nickname given by promoter Bob Arum to boxing's world Middleweight championship superfight bout between Undisputed Champion Marvin Hagler (60-2-2 50 KO¹) and challenger Thomas Hearns (40-1 34 KO¹), who was himself the world's Jr. Middleweight champion.

Given the way in which both men had won their latest fights, the fight, held at the Caesars Palace hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 15 of 1985, built a quite interested media's attention and was seen in many countries around the world. In the United States and Puerto Rico, it was broadcast by HBO and WAPA-TV.

1 Round 1
2 Hagler cements his legacy
3 Trivia
4 Notes

[edit] Round 1

Hagler, normally a slow starter, stormed Hearns, eventually pinning him to the ropes. Hearns threw his devastating right hand to Hagler's chin, stunning Hagler for a moment before tying Hearns up. Seconds later the two were trading power punches, with Hagler trying to get in the inside trying to pin Hearns to the ropes again, in which he succeeded by stunning Hearns with a right. Hearns tied up Hagler, and tried to slow the pace down by boxing Hagler, who was still the aggressor. This lasted for only a moment in which the two started to trade power punches again. Hagler developed a cut on his forehead, but didn't slow down as he pinned Hearns and traded more punishment, and evenutually hurting Hearns until the end of the round. The opening round was considered by Ring Magazine as the greatest round in boxing history, and won round of the year for 1985.

[edit] Hagler cements his legacy

By the beginning of the second round, it looked that Hearns had no legs under him as he slowed the pace boxing Hagler. Hagler experimented by switching to orthodox style for a moment, but switched back to southpaw as he found more success in countering Hearns's jab. Hagler by the end of the round pinned Hearns to the ropes again, successfully landing more punches. The next round Hearns tried to continue to slow the pace. Referee Richard Steele halted the fight for the moment, to tend to Hagler's cut which was still bleeding profusely on the forehead. As the fight resumed Hagler countered Hearns's jab with a right and took advantage of Hearn's rubbery legs. Hearns was knocked down and counted out, securing a win for Hagler and his 11th successful defence of his middleweight title. It was widely regarded as Marvin Hagler's pinnacle achievement in his career, and cemented himself as one of the greatest middleweights of all time.

Ring magazine called the fight the most electrifying 8 minutes ever and won fight of the year for 1985, despite lasting only 3 rounds.

[edit] Trivia

During the momentary stoppage during the third round, Richard Steele asked Hagler if he could see through the blood on his forehead. Hagler sarcastically replied, "Well, I ain't missing him, am I?"