On this day: Thomas Hearns robbed of victory in Sugar Ray Leonard rematch

It was maybe essentially the most sought-after rematch in world boxing, however when this battle of legendary five-weight world champions was over, all celebration turned to dismay.

On June 12, 1989, Thomas Hearns put forth the efficiency of his life towards Sugar Ray Leonard at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and appeared to have avenged a previous stoppage defeat. Nonetheless, the official judges managed to concoct a cut up resolution draw, with each fighters receiving a 113-112 tally earlier than the decisive 112-112 tie.

Hearns, who introduced the then-lightly regarded WBO title into the bout, dropped his rival twice, within the third and 11^th rounds, and out jabbed him in a number of different classes. A prohibitive pre-fight underdog, the 30-year-old Hearns turned again the clock with a much more polished show than he’d provided towards James Kinchen in his title profitable effort seven months earlier.

Leonard, 33, entered because the WBC titleholder, and he did take pleasure in loads of success. “The Sugarman” surprised Hearns within the fifth and 12^th rounds and punished him closely. He simply couldn’t produce the stoppage that he’d pulled off of their undisputed welterweight championship combat, which was held on the identical venue on September 16, 1981.

The group voiced their displeasure when the choice was introduced and the outcome turned a black eye for the game. Years later, a gracious Leonard would admit, with Hearns current, that he misplaced the combat.