So, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is finally on. The two biggest stars in boxing have made us wait ? too long ? for the biggest fight in a generation. But, sometimes, two fighters are simply destined for each other.
In 1982, Sugar Ray Leonard invited ?Marvelous? Marvin Hagler to an event where he was expected to extend a challenge for Hagler?s world
middleweight title. Instead, he announced his retirement.
For the next five years, Hagler beat all comers, most famously knocking out Tommy Hearns in the best three-round fight you?ll ever see.
Meanwhile, Leonard, a master self-promoter, became a TV personality, even commentating on Hagler?s fights.
He was running scared of Hagler. His reputation was too great to risk against an unstoppable monster. At least that was the perception.
Then, in 1987, it happened. ?The Super Fight?. The wait was over.
After 12 rounds of fascinating fare, as much for the tactics as the boxing, we got one of the most keenly disputed results in boxing history. Sugar
Ray won a split decision.
It may not have settled all the questions, but it was a fight that needed to happen.
The excruciating, seemingly pointless wait just made it all the more anticipated. To view this media, you need an HTML5 capable device or download the Adobe Flash player.
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This time doesn?t have the same background. Both men have fought in the intervening years, and while still the biggest draw in the game, have
perhaps lost a little of their lustre. But it remains a fight we need to see ? the pair who defined their generation simply had to meet in the ring.
We waited over half a decade in the 1980s.
Then it was worth the wait. Let?s hope this one is too.
