| Thomas 'Hitman' Hearns Thomas Hitman Hearns was my favourite fighter when I was growing up and certainly the most electrifying boxer I have ever seen. Dazzling hands, he was one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history. And yet, like Nigel Benn, there was a vulnerability about him, as though he could 'go' at any time. Certainly he did in the first fight against Sugar Ray Leonard and the two fights against Iran Barkley though a record of just 5 losses in his professional career including his last fight would say that the 'vulnerability' was more of an illusion than fact. But it added to the excitement of watching him. Would he prevail or would he end up on the floor. It was an irresistible mix. His record was second to none. Wins against Roberto Duran, Wilfred Benítez and Juan Roldán and a draw against Leonard in the return match eight years after the first (which Leonard later admitted Hearns had won) plus winning world titles in four divisions places him among the greatest fighters boxing has ever seen. But I guess he will be mostly remembered for "The War" with Hagler. The first round has passed into boxing folklore but the three rounds are all the more remarkable when you remember he broke his right hand in the first round. With his retirement in 2006, the last of the four kings gone, the last great era of boxing was well & truly over. When they were kings. Real name: Thomas Hearns Rated at: Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) Boxing record THE HIT MAN: Thomas Hearns is one of the greatest fighters of all time. From his explosion onto the pro boxing scene with seventeen straight knockouts, he struck fear into opponents and awe into spectators. He featured in some of the most thrilling bouts ever and became the first champion to win six titles at different weights. He will forever be known by his chilling nickname: Hit Man. Growing up in the urban wasteland of inner-city Detroit, Hearns learned to defend himself at the notorious Kronk gym. There he came under the tutelage of master trainer Emanuel Steward, who turned him into the deadliest puncher in the game. From his destruction of Pipino Cuevas to his now-legendary fights with fellow greats Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran, Hearns carved out a reputation for skill, courage, and stunning power. His epic 1985 challenge against middleweight champion Marvin Hagler, billed as "The War," has gone down as the most exciting three rounds in boxing history. Defeats only seemed to make Hearns stronger, and he achieved the extraordinary feat of winning titles in every weight category, from welterweight to cruiserweight. Lately he has devoted his energies to his promotions company, Hearns Entertainment, yet he stilled toyed with the idea of winning "one more belt" right into his late 40s. Brian Hughes, 2010 FURTHER READING: Hit Man |
