Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns set for Vauxhall ABC

Jul 7 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Birkenhead News

THE Hands of Stone and the Hitman will clash one more time - at the latest Vauxhall Motors ABC event.

Both former four-weight world boxing champions, Panama’s Roberto Duran (pictured right) and Thomas Hearns of Detroit will be the guest speakers at the Whitby Sport and Social Club, Ellesmere Port on Sunday, September 5 on a night where they will relive their careers.

Duran and Hearns were part of a quartet of 1980s fighters dubbed the Four Kings after a series of bouts between themselves, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler lit up the sport.

Quizzing the pair about their lives in and out of the ring will be renowned British boxing commentator and writer Steve Bunce who is sure coax the best stories and tales from the legends of the fight game.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweights of all time, Duran’s fearless approach and undeniable punch power saw him to WBA glory in 1972, defeating Scottish great Ken Buchanan in Madison Square Garden.The mercurial Duran would lose the strap against Esteban De Jesus at the end of the year before regaining in 1973 and then eventually vacating the belt six years later.

Duran and Hearns met for the only time at Caesers Palace for the Hitman’s WBC light-middleweight strap where the champion kept hold of his belt with a stunning second round TKO.

Duran (103-16-0) ended his career in 2001 as the NBA super-middleweight world champion, five years before Hearns hung up his gloves.

Tickets for the evening with Duran and Hears are priced at £75 and £65, which includes a three-course meal. To buy tickets call 07806711429.