On April 25, 1981, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns defeated Randy Shields, efficiently defending his WBA title for the second time. The struggle came about on the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. This was one other struggle – that reminded us simply how dominant “The Hitman” was. Large Struggle Weekend are taking you again to struggle evening to alleviate one other spectacular Hearns efficiency, which noticed him lengthen his 100% report.
Thomas Hearns Defeats Randy Shields
Thomas Hearns vs. Randy Shields Revisited
Hearns was reduce within the first spherical from an unintentional headbutt, however except for that, he was in management all through, utilizing his attain and heavy arms to maintain the North Hollywood native backed up and below strain. Shields was ranked quantity 5 and was identified for his sturdy chin having by no means been knocked out in his profession.
The accuracy and spite in all the pieces that Hearns threw started to mark up his opponent, who was bleeding from each eyes from the eighth spherical on, the struggle was stopped for 25 seconds within the following spherical for the ringside medical doctors to look at Shields and rule he was okay to proceed.
Learn Extra: 5 Most Memorable Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns Fights
Hearn’s left jab was on level all evening, snapping Protect’s head again. “The Hitman” was a grasp at controlling the tempo of fights, and this bout was no completely different. The one-sided nature of the competition led the referee to name the competition off, with each fighters awaiting the bell for spherical 13, with Hearns changing into the primary man to cease the sturdy Shields.
What Got here Subsequent?
After defeating Shields, Hearns efficiently defended his WBA strap in opposition to Pablo Baez by fourth-round TKO. Following this win, Hearns went up in opposition to Sugar Ray Leonard and was defeated for the primary time in his skilled profession by 14th-round TKO.
Learn Extra: On This Night time In 1980 Thomas Hearns Flattened Pipino Cuevas
Leonard was behind on all scorecards however damage Hearns within the thirteenth spherical, placing him by means of the ropes. Leonard continued his assault within the subsequent spherical, hurting Hearns with an overhand proper earlier than unloading a telling mixture, forcing referee Davey Pearl to cease the struggle.
