Marvin Hagler flattened Syrian star with brutal win to set up era-defining Thomas Hearns fight

Marvin Hagler’s dominant win over Mustafa Hamsho

First facing Syrian star Mustafa Hamsho in his fourth defense of the WBA, WBC, and The Ring middleweight crowns, the late Hagler needed eleven rounds to take out the two-time title chaser.

However, on this day in 1984, Hagler finished Hamsho more quickly — needing just three rounds to stop the Latakia challenger.

Dropping him at the ropes with a huge right hand after finding himself on the receiving end of a sizable headbutt from Hamsho.

Accused of pushing the challenger too frequently in search of a finish, Hagler would send the challenger to the canvas for a second time in the same frame — with Hamsho’s team rushing to his rescue, spelling the end of the fight.

After years of speculation, Hagler finally set up The Fight — taking on the iconic Thomas Hearns in a truly era-defining showdown.

The greatest round in boxing history

Less than a year removed from his rematch stoppage of Hamsho, New Jersey legend Hagler finally stood opposite Hearns — in his second of three pairings with his Four Kings stablemates.

In what is often described as the best three-round fight in the entire history of boxing, Hagler and Hearns would turn in undoubtedly the greatest opening round in the sport’s antiquity.

Punching from the opening exchange to the round-ending horn, Hagler and Hearns went toe-to-toe in must-viewing action for any boxing fan worth their salt.