For anybody who read George Kimball’s scintillating weekly columns on American columns in The Irish Times, you might be mystified that “Four Kings” doesn’t quite land it’s punches.

Marvelous’ Marvin would use his measuring stick to close the distance and find angles for shots to follow up with while ‘Hitman’ Hearns used it regularly to establish his superior reach advantage, as well as use it to distract opponents from the devastating right hand that would come afterwards. While America entered an optimistic era of the economic boom, the face of the fight game also started changing. Through a compelling blend of archival footage showcasing their electrifying clashes that mesmerized global audiences, and exclusive interviews offering poignant insights into their personal struggles with mental health beyond the spotlight, Four Kingsrevisits a pivotal era in British sports history. Some were better at it than others though, The Panamanian legend’s infighting style required tremendous stamina which he had in abundance, starting and finishing 15 rounds at a literal breath-taking pace. Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran didn't set out to save boxing from itself in the post-Ali era, but somehow they managed to do so.Well worth checking out (see BBC radio pod casts at the official web site), some amazing stories were shared with listeners, and Sugar Ray himself spoke exclusively. Like Duran, the New-Jersey born boxer coupled his impressive head movement on the inside with good footwork that allowed him to circle his way out of trouble. Both fought back from the brink of being stopped, before Hagler took the initiative and ended matters. Directed by Mat Whitecross, ‘The Kings’ is a sports documentary series that familiarizes viewers with one of the most exciting eras of the boxing world.

The end of Muhammad Ali‘s career left a deep void in the fight business; that’s when four talented and passionate young men stepped up and change the sport forever. Four Kingschronicles the remarkable journey of four individuals hailing from a London neighborhood, whose extraordinary achievements ushered in a golden era for British boxing and reshaped perceptions of black athletes in the UK. Their individual stories, forever linked by the spectacular battles they waged, reflect a tumultuous period in American culture and history. Leonard had regained his title and reputation but easily his most sensational victory was when his hand and foot speed, plus his ring savvy, completely bamboozled Hagler to earn a memorable 12-round split decision to win the world middleweight crown. From 1980 through 1989, it was the style of four great fighters that not only made legendary fights, it ushered in a boxing renaissance.

As the bell sounded, they leapt at each other like a couple of ravenous lions fighting over a carcass.