The ‘Four Kings’ truly helped to define an era in boxing as the four men are responsible for some of the greatest fights of all time.
From Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard having their infamous ‘No Mas’ fight, to Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns slugging it out for three rounds, the former champions have earned their title.
There is no member of the ‘Four Kings’ who does not boast at least one win over the other. This includes Hearns defeating Duran and Leonard beating Hagler.
However, three of the four members of the group faced a man known as the ‘fifth king,’ with Duran unable to beat the fighter.
Wilfred Benitez defeated Roberto Duran via decision in 1982
Wilfred Benitez, the youngest-ever world champion, is considered by many to be the ‘fifth king’ alongside Leonard, Duran, Hagler and Hearns.
This is due to the fact that Benitez was a key contender in the same era as his fellow champions, facing all of them except Hagler.
In January 1982, Benitez would take on the Panamanian Duran, as the pair competed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The Puerto Rican Benitez was the defending WBC World Super Welterweight champion. Having defeated Maurice Hope the previous year, a win would be a second title defense for Benitez.
As for Duran, he was looking to regain champion status for the first time since losing to Leonard in their ‘No Mas’ meeting of 1980. However, it was not to be for ‘El Cholo’.
Despite it being Benitez’s 46th professional fight, he was remarkably still just 23 years of age, seven years junior to Duran, who had a record of 74-2.
Duran’s experience would not be a decisive factor in the fight. As the pair had a closely contested bout across 15 rounds, the fight ended in a unanimous decision.
Winning the fight by relatively slim margins, Benitez defended his world title, improving his record to 44-1-1.
Duran would then have a shock loss to Kirkland Laing in his following fight, as Benitez faced Hearns.
Thomas Hearns was able to get the better of Wilfred Benitez
Benitez’s impressive performance against Duran would reward him with another tough test in the shape of Hearns. With a 35-1 record, Hearns’ only loss had come from when he fought Leonard.
After losing his WBA World Welterweight title to Leonard, Hearns then sought a title at the weight class above. Winning narrowly, he was able to dethrone Benitez.
The bout in Louisiana would be scored a majority win for the challenger, as Hearns improved his record to 36-1.
Benitez’s record fell to 44-2-1, as he would not reclaim a world title for the rest of his career.