37 years ago

Date: 7th March 1987

Title: WBC World Light-heavyweight Title

Promoter: Greg Steene

Referee: Isaac Herrera

Tv: ABC Wide World of Sports

Dennis Andries
( 28 - 6 - 2 )
Weight: 173 1/2 lbs

Thomas Hearns
( 43 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 173 1/4 lbs

On March 7th, 1987, Thomas Hearns took on Dennis Andries for the WBC World Light-heavyweight Title at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. This was the second defense of the title for Andries, while Hearns, the local fighter from Detroit, had a record of 43-2-0 going into the fight. The weight of both fighters was almost the same, with Andries weighing in at 173½lbs and Hearns at 173¼lbs.

The fight was dominated by Hearns, who put forth one of his most commanding efforts. After a tactical first five rounds, Hearns connected with a short right hand that dropped Andries for the first time, and then he was knocked down three times in quick succession after flurries from Hearns. Although Andries was able to answer the referee's 10-count each time, Hearns took a commanding lead on the scorecards with a rare 10–5 round.

In the ninth round, Hearns dropped Andries for the fifth time with a right hook, but Andries quickly got back up once again. However, in the tenth round, Hearns sent Andries down for the final time after ducking a wild swing and countering with a short right hand of his own. Although Andries was able to get back up, the referee stopped the fight as Andries was too dazed to continue.

The final outcome was a TKO victory for Hearns at 1:26 of the 10th round. This was a remarkable performance by Hearns, who showed his class and dominance in the ring against Andries.