Who won the Tuson fight? This question has been a topic of debate among boxing enthusiasts for years. The Tuson fight, also known as the Tuson Boxing Classic, took place on April 13, 1985, at the Tuson Memorial Center in Tuson, Arizona. The match featured two of the most talented boxers of their time, Thomas Hearns and Wilfredo Benitez, in a highly anticipated welterweight championship bout.
The Tuson fight was a pivotal moment in boxing history, as it was the first time a welterweight world championship was held in the United States. The fight was also significant because it marked the debut of the HBO pay-per-view network, which has since become a staple in the boxing world. With millions of viewers tuning in to witness the historic event, the anticipation was palpable.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that both Hearns and Benitez were fighters of exceptional skill and determination. Hearns, known for his power and speed, entered the ring as the favorite. Benitez, on the other hand, was a southpaw with a solid defense and knockout power of his own. The battle between these two boxing legends was a testament to the sport’s intensity and excitement.
In the 11th round, the moment of truth arrived. Hearns landed a powerful left hook that sent Benitez crashing to the canvas. The Argentine boxer managed to beat the count, but the damage was done. The referee, seeing the severity of the injury, waved off the fight, and Thomas Hearns was declared the winner. The Tuson fight was over, and Hearns had etched his name into boxing history as the new welterweight world champion.
The Tuson fight was not without its controversies. Some boxing experts argued that Benitez was not given enough time to recover after being knocked down, and that the fight should have continued. Others believed that Hearns’ knockout power was too much for Benitez to handle. Regardless of the opinions, the Tuson fight remains one of the most memorable boxing matches of all time.
Since the Tuson fight, both Hearns and Benitez have continued to be revered as legends of the sport. Hearns, known as “The Hitman,” went on to win multiple world titles across different weight classes, while Benitez maintained a storied career, defending his welterweight title against top contenders. The Tuson fight, however, will always be remembered as the battle that solidified their legacies and left an indelible mark on boxing history.
