For those fighting fans who don't have access to the discovery+ streaming platform, get a friend. It's got an exciting documentary series that you'll love.
There were nine memorable fights between Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran, which took place between November 1980 and December 1989. SunSport had seven of my fights, and I was privileged to have covered them all.
These glorious battles are remembered for their brilliance, blood-tingling skills, and plenty of emotion. They will be discussed and debated in 100 years.
American network Showtime commissioned Mat Whitecross, a British director, to create a documentary about those epics.
Whitecross and Fiona Neilson, his producer, have created a masterpiece called The Kings that audiences will love for years.
It was made over two years and includes four classic, one-hour films that capture every nuance of the dazzling duels.
Before and after fights, the legendary quartet are interviewed in depth and each gives fascinating insights into their complicated personalities.
Four fights stand out: the Leonard-Duran first showdown, their return five month later, Hagler–Hearns, and Hagler–Leonard.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100s of Games to Play and No Deposit RequiredAlthough I was unable to see Leonard-Duran II or Hagler-Duran, the seven magnificent events I did see remain indelibly etched in my mind. They took place over four decades ago.
Hollywood would have rejected the idea of Leonard and Duran engaging in a 15-round war at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.
They would have claimed that it was impossible for two men to trade such severe punches for 45 minutes at such an incredible speed.
The narrow points win was won by Duran, a Panamanian devil. Leonard lost his title as world welterweight champion and his unbeaten record.
This fight was full of brilliance, bravery, and it is still one of the most impressive I have ever seen.
Duran claimed that he was suffering from stomach cramps and, five months later, he met up again in New Orleans. He cried "No Mas" in the eighth round, and then he quit. This is the most famous and shameful capitulation in boxing's history.
Leonard had regained title and reputation, but his most memorable victory was when his hand speed and foot speed combined with his ring savvy completely baffled Hagler, earning a memorable 12-round split decision that won the world middleweight crown.
Sugar Ray retired after having only one fight in five year -- Hagler, who had not been beaten in 11 years, never fought again.
The first round, which Hagler defended against Hearns in Las Vegas, will be remembered by all who were present. It was the third minute that Hagler claimed to have been the most violent. They leapt at one another like ravenous lions fighting for a carcass as the bell rang.
Hagler was splattered with blood from an open wound in his forehead.
Richard Steele, a concerned referee, asked Hagler, "Can you see Marvin?" Hagler replied, "I'm missing him, are I?" before knocking out Hearns during the third round.
The Kings highlights both the best and the worst of boxing.
Except for Hagler, who at 33 retired, the rest of the players continued to play and were beaten by inferior opponents.
The Kings was as captivating to me as When They Were Kings (the documentary about the Ali Foreman Rumble in the Jungle saga which won an Oscar 26-years ago) -- and I cannot praise it more.
