Thomas Hearns vs Juan Roldan - Whatever Happened to "El Martillo?"

A look back at the Thomas Hearns - Juan Roldan slugfest of 1987.

[@jasoncarskadon6809]

Tommy Hearns is one of my all time favorites. Pound for pound one of the best I ever seen.

[@joeblow2069]

Then why did he lose 2X to Iran Barkley? Barkley was not elite.

[@jasoncarskadon6809]

@@joeblow2069 because if you know anything, even a great fighter can lose to the run of the mill or even the bottom of the barrel fighter. There's always someone who has your number and for Tommy Hearns it was Iran Barkley.

[@joeblow2069]

@@jasoncarskadon6809 So he is not pound for pound one of the best you ever seen? That is what you said.

[@jasoncarskadon6809]

@@joeblow2069 no that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that even the best have someone they can't beat.

[@jameswalsh3976]

@@joeblow2069 Styles make or break fights. Why did Duran floor and beat Barkley and take his championship? Especially when Hearns destroyed him and left him face down and totally unconscious in less than two rounds? 😂

[@bajaborracho9139]

Juan Roldan. 5 foot 7? I had no idea he was that short. Makes his best performances even more impressive. Roldan was absolutely fearless. Crude and dirty. But nobody has ever seen him in a dull fight! Great video Rich!

[@joeblow2069]

His arms were like a guy 5'10. He was sneaky quick also as Hagler mentioned in the cast. 2 fights I wish I could see are Roldan vs Barkley and Roldan vs Mugabi.

[@ivangonzalez964]

No coincido en lo de sucio

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

RIP Roldan. You played a part in some of the best fights of the 80s. Rough, tough, aggressive, hard hitting South American "Bad Guy", South American Machismo. Good lad Roldan, yer one of the "Good Guys" 🥊

[@terrywestmorland3069]

The Hitmans fights never failed to enthrall.Rest in Peace Juan what a magnificent warrior you were.

[@brianpress1392]

I didn't know Juan Roldan Died from COVID-19 At age 63, Great Fighter, Tremendous Heart of a Lion, Truly One of The Great. 🏆🥊 Juan Roldan R.I.P. 🙏🌹

[@earlpipe9713]

I wouldn't be surprised if Roldan rushed the bulls during his rancher days

[@LMatters1]

Roldan died of Covid at 63 years of age. Thanks Rich, I didn't know that. RIP Juan.

[@serenityinside1]

I remember reading it as it happened and being saddened. Heard he had ballooned it weight hugely but that picture ... 😳. No excuse for that , man .

[@ianwoods1384]

@@serenityinside1 Marvin Hagler passed with covid too.

[@kenc3288]

Pre existing medical condition.

[@vdlleclone]

@@ianwoods1384 Nope mate. He passed away cause of the fu....g Jabba Jabba

[@joeytorlone2029]

@@ianwoods1384 Marvin died after taking covid shot; complications directly after

[@dcuss7294]

It's a shame there was never a matchup between Juan Rodan vs Roberto Duran. That would have been a pretty action packed fight, no doubt! I could see Rodan overpowering Duran early, but as the fight goes on, Duran's defense and Rodan's lack of it, making a difference in the late rounds, as 'Hands of Stone' experience, in-fighting and counter punching would start to take effect and bust Rodan up. RIP Juan Rodan A true modern day Aztec warrior.

[@Ocelotonatiuh]

Aztec warrior?! Juan "El Martillo" Roldan was *Argentinian*

[@MartinBlackburn]

Some wonderful footage here Rich- thank you. The Hearns right cross would have to be rated one of boxing historys finest weapons. Roldan was super strong,unrelenting and game. A 3 way tourny between prime Roldan,Barkley and Mugabi would have been compelling ! Keep going and going Sir !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Martin, will do.

[@daltonmoore8419]

And Hearns was a no power amateur fighter.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Roldan’s demolition of Kinchen was probably his best performance A real Beast of a fighter that had the misfortune to be around in am era of Great Champions

[@nicolaspartrick5316]

The way he destroyed Frank Fletcher was pretty impressive too…

[@c.galindo9639]

Not really a misfortune as he wanted to go against the best and to say he faced greats such as Hagler and Hearns is a testament to his skill and dedication in boxing

[@alexisyanez9711]

Fue el único en derribar a Hagler.

[@Salieri47]

If Roldan hadn't been active during the era of the 4 Kings he would've likely held at least one of the MW titles. I have respect for his go all in to win.

[@Salieri47]

​@@alexisyanez9711That's a great story, but it's a myth, Hagler didn't go down from a punch.

[@alfredmcglothen6050]

Rodon, seems like he was a heck of a fighter. Really sad what happened to him . He stood toe to toe with 2 of the best of all time . He was not scared . Loved this clip .

[@kjetin99]

I wonder how Tommy Hearns health is today? One of my all time favorites! Any recent videos of him! What a sledgehammer he had!

[@waynedooley1834]

The golden era of middleweights. Back when the best fought the best.

[@kc1973able]

Loved the Hammer Roldan what a Bull of a Man 🥊💥💪🏼

[@jamescook4116]

One of my favorite fights from the late 1980's. What a wild slugfest it was! Roldan was so unconventional. Thick set and very strong. Fascinating to hear Hagler's analysis as well having fought both men in the not-so-distant past.

[@nicolaspartrick5316]

Hagler was not wrong this was a 50/50 fight.. It was always a case of who was going to land a big shot first…

[@papalegba6796]

I think Hearns hit Roldan as hard as he ever hit anyone. Which is pretty damn hard.

[@papalegba6796]

Nah I forgot the Andries fight. Hearns whaled on him bad too.

[@paulmaupin7570]

Another great video! Your work is outstanding! Thank you!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Paul.

[@jackson76724]

Warriors I am in awe of how tough these two were.

[@daltonmoore8419]

It's amazing that Hearns was a light hitting amateur fighter. The Great Manny Stewart showed his how to get leverage on that right hand and he turns into one of the biggest punchers in boxing history.

[@joeblough261]

StewarD. DDDDD. Sorry but it drives me freaking nuts.

[@gatormark]

Tommy is my favorite fighter of all time, but I missed this fight when it happened. I don't remember why. What a GREAT fight!

[@MaximusWolfe]

This channel is great

[@roncoleman9502]

You got that right love watching this channel. Rich is the best at bringing these fighters for us to watch

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Maximos

[@Duel1982]

Roldan had quite a style. He'd be champ today for sure.

[@michaelmarron8441]

I think Golovkin and Canelo would have been way too slick for him

[@Duel1982]

@@michaelmarron8441 top tier sarcasm I love it

[@JABARDELLI]

Hagler, at ringside announcing the fight, knew what a tough fighter Roldan was, and his commentary reflected the same, along with that of Gil Glancy. Roldan was nearing the end of his vaunted career when he took on Hearns. In the fight with Hagler, Roldan suffered an eye injury after being thumbed which was contributory to his loss to Hagler. Although a great Argentinian fighter, he never rose to the class of Eduardo Lausse, perhaps the greatest middleweight heralding from Argentina and one of the all-time ranked knockout artists in all of boxing history. Thanks Rich!!!

[@michaelmarron8441]

I don't think Eduardo Lausse comes anywhere close to Carlos Monzon

[@roncoleman9502]

Wow I always liked to watch Tommy fight but it seemed like he always went out and punched himself out early but sometimes it payed off and other times it didn't. I liked it when he fought Hagler what a fight. Great job my friend Rich another great fighter

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ron. Loved his right cross.

[@Salieri47]

Respect for Roldan. He fought to win, he didn’t play it safe to go the distance, even when he faced the very best. A warrior.

[@barriobarrister]

Thank you Rich. I enjoyed reading about Roldan back in the day in Ring en Español. Good memories

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure. Roldan was a dangerous fighter.

[@jb-vb8un]

you risked goin' to the can & Roldan would KO some guys by the time ya returned. Instead of waiting in line for lavatory. fans ( mostly male ) would duck outside the bowling alley .... NOBODY wanted to miss the action

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

One tough fighter. No shame in losing to Hearns. Roldan put everything he had out there.

[@ladmasgrandedelmundo5110]

I love when you talk about argentinian fighters , im argentinian and i think the boxers in our country deserve more credit in the international boxing world, thanks, great video 🙂👊🏼

[@philiprideau4736]

Fighters from your country are the toughest guys I've ever seen, much respect!

[@ladmasgrandedelmundo5110]

@@philiprideau4736 yes, they are not the most eficcient but they have a lot of heart haha, this channel made a 40 min video on ringo bonavena, i think the admin loves argentinian fighters too 😄

[@wilsonpena263]

atencion hermano es la genetica italiana, ejemplo Rocky marciano,

[@nickharmer3049]

What a great upload Rich. I'd almost forgotten what a great tear up that was. Appreciate the knowledge about Roldan, as I didn't know much about him. Bless up bro 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Nick.

[@kc1973able]

Roldan was affective in this fight coming in low then looping up those right hands of his.

[@LeBronIsgLoat]

Wow! This is a perfect new series for newbies like myself and to preserve history. Definitely, binge watch worthy, keep 'em coming! 💃🤗🙆🏽‍♀️💃

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, LeBron, will do.

[@tw5139]

Hearns right hand has to be one of the greatest punches by any fighter in any division in history. Cobra was the perfect nickname for him because when you sensed his right hand moving in your direction it was too late.

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

First man to be a 4 Division Champ. The most under rated of the 4 Kings, the most under rated p4p Great of the modern era, possibly the most under rated p4p great of ALL TIME. #TheHitman If you didnt get him, you got ... *GOT !* #MotorCityCobra #FastestGunInTheWest #GunSlinger

[@Fernandolunatoro1]

What heart! Getting hit like that and Roldan just kept coming. Most guys when they get hit like that early never keep charging. But not R. He kept jumping up trying to knock Hearn's out!!! Hearns was like WTF??? You can see it on his face.

[@grahamt33]

A great stroll down memory lane of a slightly forgotten firefest - thanks, Rich !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, grahamdoe

[@jb-vb8un]

saw ALOT of these amazing bouts at the local bowling alley : ZERO cover, cold, cold beer .75 < > always could hear the pins exploding & fans screamhng

[@slidecounter5813]

Roldan was unorthodox but very relentless, affective & swarming power punches you can tell he tried to test you're Will

[@Vitaly3548]

Great video as always Rich. If possible please consider doing a doc on Carlos Zarate one day 🙏

[@t9190kp]

I'd like that too! Or Lupe Pintor..

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Duly noted, thanks Michael.

[@jb-vb8un]

James Scott, Jerry Martin, or Johnny " BUMP CITY " Bumphus

[@mclife1]

The good old days of boxing R.I.P Juan Roldan.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John.

[@NewyorkRicanSoulPodcast]

Great job! This was a wonderful fight. Roldan had a stellar pro and amateur career as did Hearns. Thanks for putting this together.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, New York Rican.

[@sa1boxfitboxercise271]

Marvellous was a very underrated commentator. Very insightful and classy.

[@mskidi]

Only time Hagler ever was really bothered by someones' physical presence, was by Roldan. And you can tell by his output here, he really had an appreciation of the mans' fighting power.

[@ronofficial5958]

Roldan had some power... thank you for that one Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Ron

[@humbertoflores2545]

The golden era of boxing: 70s and 80s.

[@olalekanadewale4967]

Roldan was giving Tommy the Hit man that work, though he was getting his ass whooped while at it. This is what I love about that era of fighters, everybody fought everybody, no ducking and dodging. Great fight from both warriors. Journey well Roldan. We love you

[@RyanMclain]

Thanks, man. Good one (so far )

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Ryan.

[@kc1973able]

RIP Roldan 🥊

[@oncall21]

How did I miss this one? What a match up. It's like watching the matador and the bull! Thanks for sharing Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, oncall21

[@bareknuckles2u]

Terrific video. YOU are the best!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, bareknuckles2u

[@c.galindo9639]

What a warrior. Both really threw bombs but man that was pure will and heart they were both giving against each other. Respect to Juan Roldan and RIP

[@joeygarba4172]

Thanks Rich.

[@force7285]

That was great watch. Thank you!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Force.

[@sherrilldean211]

OH MY ... SAD TO HEAR ... we all should aspire to be like Jake LaMotta shadowboxing in his 90s

[@fransiscoscaramanga674]

Roldan was a dangerous fighter, a tough and fearless fighter, and although Tommy would go on to win this fight, he had no business slugging it out Roldan, Roldan actually hurt Tommy early on...

[@djhardcorproductions6132]

That Hitman Hearns right was an awesome sight to see !

[@jb-vb8un]

admired those old nicknames ; THE COBRA, BUMP CITY, MARVELOUS, HANDS OF STONE, TWO TON TONY

[@matthewnikitas8905]

Gave tough fights to both Hagler and Hearns two great fighters. Thanks for the video Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Matthew.

[@manosparavida3551]

Jeez, those Argentinian's are just some of the most rugged fighter's ever. Only Sergio Martinez had finesse.

[@wainerollins2587]

Love Tommy Hearns. Tommy would have fought the Devil, Godzilla & King Kong in the same night, lost to all 3 & demanded an immediate rematch. A true warrior that never ducked a challenge.

[@larrywheels762]

Roldan was game , but so was Hearns . Exiting fight.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

The amount of punishment Juan took was incredible ! Talk about a tough sob !

[@marcyfan]

i never saw this or knew of it. thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, marcyfan

[@larryjenkinson4789]

Roldan was a rough,tough, entertaining fighter and in another era would have been a champion. Those long, whipping left hooks to the body by Hearns are devastating. What a match up this was, they're both warriors with huge hearts. R.I.P Juan Roldan

[@johnjamele]

The Hearns-Roldan fight was on FREE SATURDAY AFTERNOON TV. So was Duran-Barkley. Those were the days.

[@christophermclean3921]

Roldán was formidable puncher RIP

[@bh1422]

Roldan just happened to be in an era with phenomenal fighters that he could not become world champion

[@buddyacesmxbc1055]

I thought he was beating Hagler but Hagler stuck his thumb in Juan's eye a few times

[@TheIceman101]

That guy is a super wild fighter, my goodness.

[@andrewwilliams8413]

Remember watching this fight at the pub, was supporting Roldan. I thought he had him in the 4th, turned away for a second ?

[@monticella]

Great fight, great video!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Rich.

[@jamescook4116]

The left hook that Hearns rips to the body before the right hand is just vicious.

[@brettpaterson8042]

One tough man, this and the fight with Hagler were epics. Tommy Hearns was such an exciting fighter to watch, so good yet at times so vulnerable. Both are greats. Thanks Rich. 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Brett.

[@edgarsantiago_3908]

RIP Mills Lane 🙏🏼🥊

[@paulthetruth4768]

Thanks bro !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Any time

[@Tony16467]

Tommy we as a freak of nature, truly the toughest fighter of all time.

[@donnellvickers6314]

3:25 Hearns caught Roldan with what I call the Joe Louis right Cross BOMB 💣💥

[@andypicken7848]

What an incredible all action fight. It brought to mind the Hagler vs Hearns bout. Its sad to see how some fighters age. Tommy for instance, can now hardley string a sentance together. No surprise given the punishment he took I suppose. Thanks for posting

[@starwarsroo2448]

It's a shame how punchy he is, but the man took the big fights, took the big hits and got the big wins, even his losses were spectacular

[@wallcity318]

@@starwarsroo2448 that's what makes him my fav. He didnt duck and always fought the end

[@SEAN9799]

Thanks for posting this. Great, great fight!

[@david-pb4bi]

Perfect height for Hearns, same as when he defeated Duran, with his long reach could do damage early on before the shorter guy can get close enough to do their work.

[@Aristotelezz]

Juan Roldan comes closest to a human pitbull.

[@jeremysipes44]

Hearns was a legitimate Junior Middleweight and Light Heavyweight champion but the rest were fragmented titles.Leonard was the lineal champion at 147,154 & 160lbs.Hagler held the legit.Middleweight title for 6 years and 7 months.

[@bh1422]

Please explain what is meant by "...the rest were fragmented titles". I'm curious

[@pablofc660]

El martillo todo un guerrero . Le hizo frente los mejores

[@hectorcasal712]

Es verdad...!.Fue todo un valiente enfrentando a los mejores.Siempre yendo al frente..Un guerrero latino como los boxeadores mexicanos!!.

[@larrywest538]

Roldan gave Hearns some big shots that tests the will of your opponent… Hearns rose to the test….

[@jasonellis9777]

Roldan was such a just tough fighter. He was in there to fight. It always baffles me when I see the ko. I don’t know what Roldan was doing? Literally just walked into Hearns with his hands at his side, leading with just his head. You can’t do that with the likes of Tommy Hearns. Lol. But no mater anything else Roldan always came to fight and put on an exciting match. Rest in Peace.

[@joeytorlone2029]

Hearns had the ability to be the greatest fighter in the world,but his legs would get tired,and he would always fight the next fighters way of fighting(not smart)but always exciting to watch because hearns could slug and he could box.God bless hearns,hagler,leanord,Duran.Watching these men of men was second to none.

[@tonyh6438]

All those punches to the back of the head Tommy endured.

[@sherrillraymond7595]

I bet when Hearns caught a fighter with a clean solid right they be on the canvas reconsidering their careers Like the look they be having on their face be looking like they asking themselves is it really worth it

[@jaggarjaggarjaggar]

I saw online Roldan passed of an illness in his country in 2021.

[@joeblow2069]

Did Roldan really want Hagler again? I do not believe that. Roldan vs Barkley would have been an amazing fight. Roldan's destruction of Frank Fletcher and James Kitchen was impressive.

[@rodwilliam3890]

Roldan was never boring that for sure

[@donharmon2473]

Hagler thumbed Roldans eyes early in the first fight and nearly nlinded Roldan. That's why Roldan had to take a year and a half off from fighting. Hagler was a very dirty fighter. And when he fought guys like Roldan that he could lose too, he was extremely dirty

[@thepanther543]

Hearns was one of the all time great sand could Crack.

[@arjunakorale6166]

Strange that both Hagler & Roldan died of complications connected to Covid19 virus! They were Boxing Legends in life & connected even in death.

[@fermingarrick2120]

All he needed ( Roldan) is a trainer like Teddy Atlas.....to become a champion 🏆

[@misterpeppercorn3078]

Man-o-Man did Roldan take it to Tommy but Tommy was too much for him!

[@swacura5693]

u dont see those fights anymore

[@robertmceuen3630]

RIP Juan. Hearns was always good for a great fight! One of my favorites. IMO far above Ray Leonard. Won both their bouts, but no a counting for judges...

[@casodreyfuszola]

Great for both.

[@jeffgreene8204]

Nice commentary by Hagler

[@alanfrehley1373]

Always loved Mills Lane as a referee.

[@robertdecker146]

Duran vs Roldan would've been a wild and highly entertaining scrap. Roldan was just too small for Hearns. It was simply a Bad styles matchup, much like Hearns-Duran and Hearns-Cuevas. Hearns could make a highly skilled boxer/brawler or equally hard puncher look Very human and Vulnerable. His right hand, even at Middleweight, was a Deontay Wilder Style Equalizer.

[@michaelmarron8441]

It was some punch when he was a Welter!

[@leroyjoseph6896]

All 4 kings held the WBC middleweight title