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September 1981

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Achievement · sport
Sugar Ray Leonard wins undisputed welterweight title

Sugar Ray Leonard defeated Thomas Hearns to unify the WBA and WBC welterweight titles in one of the greatest fights of the era, knocking Hearns down twice in a dramatic 14th-round stoppage. Leonard's career, which also featured victories over Duran and Hagler, defined a golden age of boxing in the 1980s.

Events

  1. September 16, 1981
    Sugar Ray Leonard wins undisputed welterweight title

    Sugar Ray Leonard defeated Thomas Hearns to unify the WBA and WBC welterweight titles in one of the greatest fights of the era, knocking Hearns down twice in a dramatic 14th-round stoppage. Leonard's career, which also featured victories over Duran and Hagler, defined a golden age of boxing in the 1980s.

  2. September 16, 1981
    Sugar Ray Leonard Defeats Thomas Hearns in Epic Welterweight Fight

    Sugar Ray Leonard stops Thomas Hearns in the 14th round in a fight many consider the greatest welterweight championship bout in history, unifying the WBC and WBA titles. The era of Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, and Duran defines boxing's golden age.