Houston, Texas – June 25, 1981 – Inside the vast Astrodome, “The Hitman” Thomas Hearns once again demonstrated why he sits atop the welterweight mountain, stopping the spirited Pablo Baez at 2:10 of the fourth round to make his third successful defence of the WBA World Welterweight Title.

Hearns, entering the bout with a spotless 31-0 record, carried both the poise of a champion and the menace of a knockout artist. Across from him stood Baez, the WBA’s ninth-ranked contender, a Los Angeles-based fighter by way of the Dominican Republic. Though the challenger arrived at 144 ¾ lbs to Hearns’ exact 147, he came determined to test the champion’s resolve.

From the opening bell, Hearns controlled the geography of the ring with his piston-like jab and sharp combinations. The first three rounds were one-sided affairs on the scorecards, each judge tallying them 10-9 for Hearns. Baez sought to close the gap and work inside, but the champion’s reach and timing blunted every advance.

The fourth frame saw the tide turn from dominance to danger. A crisp right hand from Hearns wobbled Baez, and the champion followed with a cascade of precision shots. Trapped against the ropes, the challenger absorbed punishing blows as referee Ken Morita moved in, waving off the contest before further damage could be done.

Hearns’ night’s work earned him a $525,000 purse, while Baez, gallant in defeat, collected $75,000. The victory not only extended Hearns’ unbeaten streak but also reinforced his reputation as one of boxing’s most feared finishers.

The event, promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, was part of a star-studded card that also featured Sugar Ray Leonard’s victory over Ayub Kalule to claim the WBA Junior Middleweight Championship. Fans in attendance witnessed two world titles change or remain in spectacular fashion, while countless others caught the action live via closed-circuit television. NBC Sportsworld would later rebroadcast the card on July 5, ensuring the drama reached living rooms across the nation.

Hearns’ dismantling of Baez was not merely a defence—it was a statement. In an era rich with welterweight talent, the Detroit champion showed once more that his blend of height, reach, and explosive power makes him a puzzle yet unsolved. As whispers of future super fights grow louder, one thing remains certain: whoever stands opposite Thomas Hearns must be prepared to endure a storm that few survive.