Marvin Hagler knew who was better between Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard

In 1983, Marvin Hagler had entered what would prove to be the defining period of his career.

Recognized as the best middleweight in the worldthe undisputed champion always fought for the truly lucrative fights his status deserved. That changed between 1983 and 1987, when he shared the ring with Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns and, in his last fight, Sugar Ray Leonard.

The four men faced each other at least once between June 1980 and June 1989. Hagler, however, would be the only member of the famous “Four Kings” to never take part in a rematch. His victories over Durán and Hearns, and his controversial loss to Leonard, have never been revisited, while Durán and Leonard fought twice, as did Leonard and Hearns.

All four featured prominently in The Ring’s Best I Faced series. When Hagler was asked which opponent stood out above the rest, his response was immediate.

“Durán; I would say Roberto Durán.”

Durán was seeking an unprecedented fourth world title when he moved up to middleweight to challenge Hagler in 1983 in the specially constructed outdoor arena at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Hagler possessed obvious advantages in size and physical strength and was determined to demonstrate what a complete fighter he was. Durán promised to attack the body, but while his famous power did not fully translate at middleweight, he compensated with relentless pressure and challenge, refusing to allow his rival to dominate.

Durán gave it his all in a valiant 15-round effort that restored much of the credibility lost in his rematch with Leonard.. But in the end, it was Hagler who came out on top on the scorecards.