44 years ago

Date: 2nd August 1980

Title: WBA World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Harold Smith

Tv: ESPN

Pipino Cuevas
( 27 - 6 - 0 )
Weight: 146 1/2 lbs

Thomas Hearns
( 28 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 146 lbs

Cuevas vs Hearnes marked the arrival of Thomas Hearns as a major force in the welterweight division. With a record of 28-0-0, Hearns had been widely regarded as one of the most promising young fighters in the sport, and this victory over the highly respected Pipino Cuevas was further proof of his immense talent. The fight took place in the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan and was promoted by Harold Smith. The referee for the bout was Stanley Christodoulou.

Going into the fight, Pipino Cuevas had a record of 27-6-0 and weighed in at 146 1/2lbs. Thomas Hearns weighed in at 146lbs. Despite Cuevas's experience as a champion and his reputation as a tough and relentless fighter, he was no match for Hearns's height, reach, and speed. From the opening bell, Hearns dominated the action, battering Cuevas with his long arms and fast hands. Every time Cuevas tried to attack, Hearns was quick to counter, picking him apart with quick and accurate punches.

In the second round, Hearns landed a devastating right hand to Cuevas's head, sending him crashing to the canvas. Despite making it up before the ten count, the fight was waved off by referee Christodoulou when Cuevas's trainer stepped in to save him. The knockout was one of the most memorable in boxing history, marking the end of Pipino's reign as champion and the arrival of Thomas Hearns as a major force in the welterweight division.

This victory was a turning point in Thomas Hearns's career, and he went on to become one of the greatest fighters of his generation. His spectacular knockout of Pipino Cuevas demonstrated his exceptional talent and confirmed his status as one of the sport's rising stars. The fight remains a classic example of Hearns's destructive power, and it is remembered as one of the most memorable knockouts in boxing history.