Boxing · 1987 · Las Vegas, USA
The Super Fight
After nearly three years out of the ring, Sugar Ray Leonard challenges the undisputed middleweight champion and wins a split decision so close it is still argued over decades later.
Leonard def. Hagler, split decision
Result
~3 years
Leonard's layoff before fight
0 (retired)
Hagler's fights after
Marvin Hagler had been the undisputed middleweight champion for years, unbeaten in the division and known for a relentless, punishing style that had discouraged most contenders. Sugar Ray Leonard, who had been largely inactive for nearly three years and had moved up in weight specifically for the fight, was widely expected to struggle against him.
At Caesars Palace on 6 April 1987, Leonard used lateral movement, flashy combinations, and moments of showmanship to steal rounds on the judges' cards while Hagler pressed forward looking for the finishing punch that never fully landed. The fight went the full twelve rounds.
Leonard won by split decision, a result Hagler and many observers disputed for years afterward, arguing Hagler's work rate should have carried the fight. The 'Super Fight', as it was marketed, remains one of the most analysed and debated decisions in boxing history, and Hagler never fought again.
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