Thomas Hearns was known for his devastating punching power and ability to carry his power across multiple weight classes.
He was trained by the legendary Emanuel Steward at Detroit's Kronk Gym, where he developed his aggressive fighting style.
Hearns's tall, slender build and long reach allowed him to effectively compete across a wide range of weight divisions, moving up over fifty pounds during his career.
His bout against Marvin Hagler is often cited as one of the greatest fights in boxing history due to its ferocity and intensity.
Beyond his in-ring achievements, Hearns has remained a respected figure in the boxing community, contributing to the sport through various endeavors.
Titles and Achievements:
World Titles:
WBA Welterweight Champion (1980-1981)
WBC Junior Middleweight Champion (1982-1987)
The Ring Junior Middleweight Champion (1982-1987)
WBC Middleweight Champion (1987-1988)
WBO Super Middleweight Champion (1988-1990)
WBC Light Heavyweight Champion (1987)
WBA Light Heavyweight Champion (1991-1992)
Notable Achievements:
First boxer in history to win world titles in five weight divisions: Welterweight, Light Middleweight, Middleweight, Super Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight.
Named Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1980 and 1984.
Notable Fights:
Vs. Sugar Ray Leonard I (September 16, 1981): Lost by TKO in the 14th round in a bout to unify the World Welterweight Championship, known as "The Showdown."
Vs. Wilfredo Benitez (December 3, 1982): Won by majority decision to become The Ring and WBC Junior Middleweight Champion.
Vs. Roberto Durán (June 15, 1984): Won by KO in the 2nd round, defending the WBC Super Welterweight title.
Vs. Marvin Hagler (April 15, 1985): Lost by TKO in the 3rd round in a bout for the Undisputed Middleweight Championship, a fight famously known for its intense action.
Vs. Juan Domingo Roldán (October 29, 1987): Won by KO in the 4th round to claim the WBC Middleweight Championship, becoming the first boxer to win world titles in four weight divisions.
Vs. James Kinchen (November 4, 1988): Won by majority decision to secure the inaugural WBO Super Middleweight Championship, becoming the first boxer to win world titles in five weight divisions.
Vs. Sugar Ray Leonard II (June 12, 1989): Fought to a draw in a bout for the WBC and WBO Super Middleweight titles.