The Greatest Boxing Matches of All Time

The first clash between two of boxing’s most talented fighters was a study in adaptation. Opening as expected, the Welterweight Title unification bout saw the lankier Hearns keeping his shorter opponent at a distance while scoring with long jabs at will. A brilliant strategist, Leonard knew the fight could not continue this way, so he changed up his game plan and aggressively went after “The Hit Man.” “Sugar” Ray’s assertiveness carried him through the 6th and 7th rounds, but soon Hearns adapted himself, swinging the fight back in his favor by boxing instead of brawling. The fight looked to be going the “Motor City Cobra’s” way until Leonard threw all caution to the wind and attacked his opponent, scoring a knockdown in the 13th before pounding Hearns until the official stopped fight in the following round.