Those who witnessed it treasure the memories.
The “Four Kings” – Hall of Famers Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard – took part in a series of fights that thrilled fans worldwide and defined a generation of boxing.
And we’ll all have a chance to relive it in June. Showtime Sports Documentary Films has announced that “The Kings,” a four-part series chronicling the era, will premiere on June 6.
Here’s how the premium channel described the project in a news release:
“’The Kings’ spotlights boxing’s evolution from the end of Muhammad Ali’s era to the era of the Four Kings, set against the seismic political and socio-economic shifts taking place in the United States.
“The Four Kings rose to fame as the presidency of Jimmy Carter and economic recession gave way to the boon of 1980s capitalism and excess harnessed by the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
“Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, the series also examines the very personal battles that each man waged on his unique journey to the center of the sports world.”
Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, said the series goes bell beyond the action in the ring.
“These four men defined an era in boxing,” he said. “Their individual stories, forever linked by the spectacular battles they waged, reflect a tumultuous period in American culture and history.
“’The Kings’ takes the viewer beyond the glorious action of some of history’s most memorable prizefights to illuminate each man’s dramatic journey and the societal context that made them stars of sports and popular culture.”
The news release went on:
“Following a brief fallow period in the wake of Ali’s retirement, boxing was revitalized when Leonard became a world champion in 1979 and waged his first battle with Duran in 1980. From that point, the Four Kings engaged in a decade-long run of riveting fights that far outperformed any other sport in attention and revenue. They were the most popular stars of sports and American culture.
“From 1979 through 1985, as a mark of their incredible achievements, the Boxing Writers Association of America bestowed these men the coveted title of “Fighter of the Year” annually with the lone exception of 1982 – with Leonard, Hagler and Hearns each winning twice.
“In the nine world title fights between them, there were four knockouts and three of the bouts were recognized by The Ring Magazine as “Fight of the Year.” The Ring magazine “Round of the Year” (and to many, the round of all time) from Round One of Hagler-Hearns is, perhaps, the most iconic single round of boxing of all time.
“Fittingly, ‘The Kings’ premieres in the 45th anniversary year of Leonard winning an Olympic gold medal and the 40th anniversary year of the welterweight world title unification battle between Leonard and Hearns, widely considered their greatest fight and a symbol of the era.”
The premiere begins at 8 p.m. ET / PT.
