Thomas Hearns

Thomas Hearns, also known as "The Hitman" and "Motor City Cobra," is a retired American professional boxer who competed from 1977 to 2006. He was one of the best boxers of his generation, known for his devastating punch and unique ability to move up in weight divisions. Over the course of his career, Hearns won six major world titles in five weight classes and defeated several future boxing hall of famers. In this article, we will delve into Hearns' career highlights and notable victories, his losses, and his legacy in boxing history.

Career Summary

Thomas Hearns' professional boxing career spanned over 28 years, from 1977 to 2006. He made his professional boxing debut at the age of 19 against Jerome Hill, winning via second-round knockout. He won 31 consecutive fights after his debut, including 29 wins via stoppage.

He had his first world title fight at the age of 21 against José Cuevas for the WBA welterweight title. He defeated Cuevas via second-round TKO to become the welterweight champion of the world.

Through his career, Hearns won seven world titles in five weight classes. His notable wins include victories over four hall-of-famers – Virgil Hill, Roberto Durán, Wilfred Benitez, and José Cuevas. Saensak Muangsurin, Eddie Gazo, and Marcos Geraldo were also among his formidable opponents.

Hearns had five losses in his professional boxing career, four of which were in title bouts and one in a non-title fight. He suffered his first loss against Sugar Ray Leonard via 14th round TKO on September 16, 1981, ending his 32-fight win streak. He was stopped four times and lost once via decision.

Hearns retired with a record of 61-5-1, including 48 knockouts and four losses via knockout. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

Career Highlights

Hearns' professional boxing career consisted of 67 fights. He had several notable fights against some of the best boxers of his time, and six fights stand out as the most memorable:

1. Thomas Hearns vs. Saensak Muangsurin (October 18, 1979)

In this fight, Hearns put on the first significant performance of his career by defeating Saensak Muangsurin via third-round TKO.

2. Thomas Hearns vs. Eddie Gazo (May 3, 1980)

Hearns defeated Eddie Gazo via first-round knockout, elevating himself to the status of a world-class fighter.

3. Thomas Hearns vs. José Cuevas (August 2, 1980)

Hearns won his first world title by defeating José Cuevas via second-round TKO in a fight that made him the WBA welterweight world champion.

4. Thomas Hearns vs. Wilfred Benitez (December 3, 1982)

Hearns won the WBC and The Ring super-welterweight titles by beating Wilfred Benitez via 15-round majority decision.

5. Thomas Hearns vs. Roberto Durán (June 15, 1984)

Hearns won the super-welterweight title from Roberto Durán, beating him via second-round TKO.

6. Thomas Hearns vs. Virgil Hill (June 3, 1991)

In this fight, Hearns won the WBA light-heavyweight title from Virgil Hill via 12-round unanimous decision.

Notable Victories

Thomas Hearns' boxing record boasts an impressive 61 wins, 48 of which were knockouts. He defeated several formidable opponents throughout his career, including:

1. José Cuevas

In 1980, Hearns won his first world title by defeating José Cuevas via second-round TKO in a fight that made him the WBA welterweight world champion.

2. Wilfred Benitez

In 1982, Hearns won the WBC and The Ring super-welterweight titles from Wilfred Benitez, defeating him via 15-round majority decision.

3. Roberto Durán

Hearns beat Roberto Durán via second-round TKO in 1984, becoming the first boxer to KO Durán.

4. Virgil Hill

Hearns won the WBA light-heavyweight title from Virgil Hill via 12-round unanimous decision in 1991; at the time, Hill was an undefeated world champion.

5. Marcos Geraldo

In 1987, Hearns defeated Marcos Geraldo in a non-title bout, stopping him in the fourth round.

Losses

Thomas Hearns had five losses in his professional boxing career, four of which were in title bouts and one in a non-title fight:

1. Sugar Ray Leonard

The first loss of Thomas Hearns' career came against Sugar Ray Leonard via 14th round TKO on September 16, 1981. At the time, Hearns was 32-0 and had beaten Leonard in the early rounds. However, Leonard came back strong in the later rounds to win the fight in what became known as "The Showdown."

2. Marvin HaglerThomas Hearns Fight Record