On This Day…Tommy Hearns defeats Virgil Hill
Thomas Hearns defeated Virgil Hill to win the WBA light heavyweight world title, on this day in 1991.
Hearns, who was paid 4.25 million to the 1.25 million Hill got, was looked at as a ‘passing of the torch fight’. Hill was on his eleventh world title defense, and Hearns was an aging legend, who is longtime head trainer, Emanuel Steward, was no longer working his corner, because he believed he should retire. The two packed in 14,000 people to Cesars Place in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the bout was shown globally on pay-per-view as well.
In the end, Hearns outboxed the younger Hill, as he won a unanimous decision win. Despite, Hearns giving off strong vibes that the end was near, his end was still better than what Hill had at the time, which was a harsh reminder of the cruel nature of the sport of boxing, for those invested in the career of Virgil Hill
The Final Act Of Hearns
Hearns had been involved with all of the kings of the era. He knocked out Roberto Duran, was knocked out by Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler, as well as fought Leonard to a draw in the rematch.
After defeating, Hill, Hearns went to avenge his loss to Iran Barkley but was still unable to right the past wrong, losing a split decision. Hearns would continue fighting up until the mid-2000s, winning most of the bouts which were hand-selected advantageous fights, functioning more so as a nostalgia act for people of a certain age range to see their childhood hero, Thomas Hearns, compete.
Hearns would retire in 2006.
Hill And The Big Fight.
Hill had a lot of good happen in his career. An Olympian, a long-reigning champion, yet when it came to his two biggest fights against the big names he faced Roy Jones Jr., and Thomas Hearns - Hill lost. That is something that overshadowed all the good he had done prior.
This fight looked to be the moment Hill would be seen as a force in the sport, but not unlike what Bernard Hopkins did to Kelly Pavlik, Thomas Hearns rolled back time one fateful moment, and forever defined Hill’s career as a great one, but one without the big win.
🥊Don't miss any other upcoming boxing fight Check your boxing schedule TV here and Subscribe
