Anytime that I get to develop a post about a professional boxer, I get just a little bit “giddy”, because I have such a fond spot in this ole Sportsphile’s heart for the art form known as pugilism / boxing. First of all, some of the greatest trips I have ever taken were to see live professional boxing matches…..with the 1st being a trip to the Louisiana Superdome for the September 15, 1978 WBA World Heavyweight Title Fight between Muhammad Ali Vs. Leon Spinks (2nd Fight)…..when with ringside seats that cost $200, I got to see The Greatest win the Heavyweight Title for the 3rd time up close and personal…..on a night which had an awesome fight card that contained three other world title fights…..WBA Bantamweight Champion Jorge Luján vs. future WBC champion Alberto Davila…..WBC Featherweight Champion Danny Lopez vs. Juan Malvarez…..and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Víctor Galíndez vs. Mike Rossman…..with the rematch between Ali and Spinks was being sold as The Match, live at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, on April 15, 1985 for the Undisputed Middleweight Title with Marvelous Marvin Hagler Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns……What a night!…..What a Fight!…..when again sitting ringside at Caesars Palace that night, I was treated to eight minutes of mayhem with a fight that ultimately was renamed “The War”……for it was magical in that the entire event seemed like it was suspended in time…..which moved almost in slow motion…..when you could see every punch clearly…..as you could even see the sweat explode off of each champion’s head and body…..and that is something that I will forever be indebted to Thomas Hearns for being a participant in such a monumental memory of mine…..of whom I am honored to tell his life’s story in video…..as ImaSportsphile presents the life and legend of Thomas “Hitman” Hearns.
Boxing – Documentary – 1977 To 2006 – A Joseph Vincent Bored Films Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: The Hitman’s Impossibly Insane Knockouts”
Thomas Hearns (born October 18, 1958) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1977 to 2006…..and was nicknamed the “Motor City Cobra”, and more famously “The Hitman”. Hearns’s tall, slender build and oversized arms and shoulders allowed him to move up over fifty pounds in his career…..and become the 1st boxer in history to win world titles in five weight divisions…..welterweight…..light middleweight…..middleweight….. super middleweight…..and light heavyweight.
Boxing – Documentary – 1987 – A Retro Boxing Ringside Historians Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: 1987 A 4 Division Champ” – With CBS Narrator Tim Ryan
Hearns was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1980 and 1984…..with the latter following his knockout of Roberto Durán. Hearns was known as a devastating puncher throughout his career…..even at cruiserweight / light heavyweight, despite having climbed up five weight classes. He is ranked number 18 on The Ring’s list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. He currently ranks # 78 in BoxRec ranking of the greatest pound for pound boxers of all time…..which is evidenced by his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 10, 2012.
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 198o – A Boxing Revival Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: 1980 Fighter of the Year”
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 1984 – A Boxing Revival Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: 1984 Fighter of the Year”
Thomas Hearns was born in Grand Junction, Tennessee, on October 18, 1958…..as the youngest of 3 children in his mother’s 1st marriage…..when with her 2nd marriage, six children joined the first three. On her own, Mrs. Hearns raised Tommy and his siblings in Grand Junction until Tommy was five years old…..when the family moved to Detroit, Michigan…..where Hearns had an amateur record of 155–8. In 1977, he won the National Amateur Athletic Union Light Welterweight Championship by defeating Bobby Joe Young of Steubenville, Ohio, in the finals…..plus, he also won the 1977 National Golden Gloves Light Welterweight Championship.
Boxing – Mini Documentary – 2022 – A Rhythm Boxing Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: 8 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Mess With A Hitman”
Hearns began his professional boxing career in Detroit, Michigan, under the tutelage of Emanuel Steward in 1977. Steward had changed Hearns from a light hitting amateur boxer to one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history…..who won 6 major world titles in 5 weight classes during his pro career…..while defeating future boxing hall of famers such as José “Pipino” Cuevas, Wilfred Benítez, Virgil Hill and Roberto Durán. In addition, he won the IBO title at Cruiserweight.
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 2022 – A Modern Martial Artist Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: Delivers Thunderous Knockouts”
Hearns started his career by knocking out his first 17 opponents. In 1980, Hearns carried his 28–0 record into a world title match against Mexico’s popular champion Pipino Cuevas……and in the 2nd round Hearns ended Cuevas’s 4-year reign by beating him by TKO in the 2nd round. Pipino didn’t duck when The Hitman come a callin’…..cuz Cuevas, a great champion who ruled for 4 years…..but when Thomas Hearns showed Pipino why they called him Hitman…..it was all over for Cuevas….for Hearns was voted “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine in 1980. The Hitman took two of Hearns signature punches with punctuation in the video below. This was a moment in time that was the coming of age of this boxing legend to be.
Boxing – 1979 – 10 Round Welterweight Bout – Saensak Muangsurin Vs Thomas “Motor City Cobra” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1980 – 10 Round Welterweight Bout – Angel Espada Vs Thomas “Motor City Cobra” Hearns – With Howard Cosell
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 1979 – 10 Round Welterweight Bout – Clyde Gray Vs Thomas “Motor City Cobra” Hearns – With Tim Ryan + Gil Clancy
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1980 – WBA World Welterweight Championship – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs. Champ Pipino Cuevas – Live from the Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1980 – 10 Round Welterweight Bout – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs. Eddie Gazo – With Tim Ryan + Gil Clancy
In 1981, Hearns the WBA Welterweight Champion….. with a 32–0 record (30 KOs)…..when he fought WBC Champion Sugar Ray Leonard (30–1) to unify the World Welterweight Championship in a bout dubbed “The Showdown.”…..when in this fight, Hearns suffered his 1st professional defeat…..as Leonard stopped him in the 14th round. In the 13th round, Leonard, behind on points on all 3 judges scorecards, needed a knockout to win…..so, he came on strong and put Hearns through the ropes at the end of the round…..while Hearns was dazed, totally out of gas and received a count but was saved by the bell. Leonard, with his left eye shut and time running out, resumed his attack in the 14th…..when Hearns started the round boxing and moving…..but after staggering Hearns with an overhand right, Leonard pinned Hearns against the ropes…..when after another combination to the body and head, referee Davey Pearl stopped the fight. Hearns and Leonard banked a combined 17 million dollars for the fight, making it the largest purse in sports history at the time. The following year, Leonard retired due to a detached retina, and there would be no rematch until 1989.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1981 – A Top Rank Production Special – WBA / WBC World Welterweight Championship Fight – WBA Champ Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs WBC Champ Sugar Ray Leonard – With Don Dunphy Behind the Mic
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1981 – !0 Round Middleweight Bout – Ernie Singletary Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1981 – Top Rank Boxing Presents – WBA World Welterweight Title Fight – Randy Shields Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – With Howard Cosell
Boxing – Exhibition – 1981 – A dougm1971 Production Special – “Rare Sparring Session: Muhammad Ali Vs Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns”
Hearns moved up in weight and won the WBC Super Welterweight (154 lb) title from boxing legend and three-time world champion Wilfred Benítez (44–1–1) in New Orleans in December 1982…..and defended that title against European Champion Luigi Minchillo (42–1) (W 12)…..Roberto Durán (TKO 2)…..# 1 contender Fred Hutchings (29–1) (KO 3)…..and # 1 contender Mark Medal (26–2) (TKO 8). During his reign at this weight, the 2 round destruction of Roberto Durán, in which he became the 1st boxer to KO Durán, is seen as his pinnacle achievement, earning him his 2nd Ring Magazine “Fighter of the Year” award in 1984.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1982 – !0 Round Middleweight Bout – Jeff McCracken Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1982 – WBC World Super Welterweight Championship Fight – Wilfredo Benitez Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1984 – WBC World Super Welterweight Championship Fight – Luigi Minchillo Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1984 – WBC World Super Welterweight Championship Fight – Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Duran Vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1984 – WBC World Super Welterweight Championship Fight – Fred Hutchings Vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1984 – WBC World Super Welterweight Championship Fight – Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Duran Vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns
While remaining super-welterweight (light-middleweight) champion, Hearns ventured into the middleweight division to challenge undisputed middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler in 1985…..which was billed as “The Fight”…..but later known as “The War”…..for the truth be known, I consider this bout as the three greatest rounds in boxing history. The battle elevated both fighters to superstar status. Hearns was able to stun Hagler soon after the opening bell…..but he subsequently broke his right hand in the 1st round…..when he did manage to open a deep cut on Hagler’s forehead that caused the ring doctor to consider a stoppage…..but the fight, however, was allowed to continue at this point…..with the ringside commentators remarking on the fact that, “the last thing Hagler wants or needs is for this fight to be stopped on a cut.” The battle did go back and forth some, but Hearns was unable to capitalize on his early successes against Hagler…..and as a result of breaking his right hand, Hearns began to use lateral movement and a good jab to keep Hagler at bay as best he could. This tactic worked fairly well, but in the 3rd round Hagler staggered Hearns …..and managed to catch him against the ropes…..where a crushing right hand by Hagler knocked Hearns down…..and albeit Hearns beat the count, it was clear that he unable to continue…..and the referee decided to stop the fight. Despite the loss, Hearns garnered a tremendous amount of respect from fans and boxing aficionados alike. Considering the popularity of the fight and the level of competition, a rematch seemed to be a foregone conclusion and was highly anticipated, but it never took place.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1985 – HBO Boxing Presents – Undisputed World Middleweight Championship Fight – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs. Marvelous Marvin Hagler – With Barry Tompkins & Sugar Ray Leonard & Larry Merchant
Boxing – HBO Round One – 1985 – Undisputed World Middleweight Championship Fight – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs. Marvelous Marvin Hagler – The Greatest Boxing Round In History – With Barry Tompkins & Sugar Ray Leonard & Larry Merchant
Boxing – 1985 – A Rhythm Boxing Production Special – “The Most Brutal Fight In The History Of Boxing: Marvelous Marvin Hagler Vs. Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns”
Hearns quickly made amends by dispatching undefeated rising star James “Black Gold” Shuler with a devastating 1st-round knockout in 1986. One week after the fight, Shuler was killed in a motorcycle accident…..so, Hearns presented the NABF championship belt to Shuler’s family at his funeral, saying he deserved to keep the belt as he had held it longer than Hearns.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1986 – NABF Middleweight Title Fight – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs Champ James Black Gold Shuler
In March 1987, Hearns scored six knockdowns of Dennis Andries to win the WBC light-heavyweight title with a 10th round stoppage at Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan. Later that year, his 4-round destruction of Juan Roldán (63–2) to claim the vacant WBC middleweight title made Hearns a 4-weight world champion.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1987 – WBC World Light Heavyweight Title Fight – Champ Dennis Andries Vs Thomas “Hitman Hearns” – Alex Wallau – Hearns Wins 3rd Different Weight World Championship
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1987 – Vacant WBC Middleweight Title Fight – Juan Martillo Roldan Vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – With Tim Ryan + Gil Clancy + Marvelous Marvin Hagler – Hearns Wins 4th Division Title
In a huge upset, Hearns lost his WBC middleweight title to Iran Barkley via a 3rd-round TKO in June 1988 in a bout Ring Magazine named 1988 Upset of the Year. In November that year, Hearns returned to win another world title by defeating James Kinchen (44–3) via a majority decision to win the inaugural WBO super-middleweight title…..as Hearns became the 1st boxer to win a world title in five weight divisions.
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 1988 – WBC World Middleweight Title Fight – Iran Barkley Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – With Angelo Dundee & Alex Wallau
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1988 – NABF & WBO World Super Middleweight Title Fight – Champ James Kinchen Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – Hearns Wins His 5th Different World Championship
Hearns had to wait until 1989 for a rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard…..which this time was for Leonard’s WBC Super-Middleweight title and Hearns’s WBO title. This was Hearns’s 6th Superfight…..as well as a fight which much of the public believed Hearns won after flooring Leonard in both the 3rd and 11th rounds…..however, the judges scored the fight a controversial draw.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1989 – A Top Rank Production – WBC / WBO World Super Middleweight Title Fight – Sugar Ray Leonard Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – 2nd Fight
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 1989 – A Top Rank Production – WBC / WBO World Super Middleweight Title Fight – Sugar Ray Leonard Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – 2nd Fight – With Tim Ryan + Gil Clancy + Marvelous Marvin Hagler
Hearns had one last great performance in 1991…..when he challenged the undefeated WBA light-heavyweight champion Virgil Hill…..which was Hill’s 11th defense of the title…..when Hearns returned to his amateur roots and out-boxed the champion to win a convincing decision…..and to add a 6th world title to his illustrious career. On March 20, 1992, Hearns lost this title on a split decision to old foe Iran Barkley…..but continued to compete and won his next 8 bouts.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1991 – WBA World Light Heavyweight Title Fight – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs Champ Virgil Hill – With Al Bernstein + Dr. Ferdie Pacheco + Rich Varrata
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 1992 – WBA World Light Heavyweight Title Fight – Iran Barkley Vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – 2nd Fight
On June 23, 1997, Hearns appeared on a WWF telecast, performing in a storyline where he was taunted and challenged by professional wrestler Bret “Hitman” Hart…..who claimed that Hearns stole the “Hitman” nickname. Hearns ended up attacking Jim Neidhart and knocking him down with a series of punches before officials entered the ring and broke up the confrontation.
Boxing – 2018 – A Modern Martial Artist Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: Chopping Cross & Flicker Jab Explained – Technique Breakdown”
Boxing – 2022 – A Modern Martial Artist Production Special – “Thomas Hearns: The Punch NO ONE Could Endure – Technique Breakdown”
On November 6, 1998, Hearns had a boxing fight which featured a rare, double knockdown. In it, Hearns and opponent Jay Snyder landed punches simultaneously during the very 1st round, Hearns a devastating right hand to Snyder’s chin and Snyder a left jab to Hearns’s chin. Hearns was able to get up before the referee’s count reached ten seconds…..while Snyder was not….. and Hearns won by 1st-round knockout.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 1998 – 10 Round Light Heavyweight Bout – Jay Snyder Vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – Rare Double Knockdown Occurs
On 10 April 1999, Hearns travelled to England and beat Nate Miller by unanimous decision to win the IBO cruiserweight title. In his next fight in April 2000 he lost the title to Uriah Grant…..in a bout where the 1st round was competitive…..with Hearns appearing to be hurt by a solid right to the jaw…..as both fighters traded blows in the 2nd round until Hearns appeared to injure his right ankle…..and was forced to retire injured at the end of the round…..when the crowd booed…..and Hearns took the microphone and promised his fans that he would be back. Hearns fought twice more, winning both fights by TKO…..with his final fight being on February 4, 2006 against Shannon Landberg.
Boxing – Entire Fight – 2000 – IBO Cruiserweight Championship Title Fight – Nate Miller Vs Thomas “Hitman” Hearns – With Tim Ryan + Gil Clancy
Boxing – Entire Fight – 2000 – IBO World Cruiserweight Title Fight – Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Vs Champ Uriah Grant – With Barry Tomkins + Larry Merchant
Hearns’s family is a fixture on the Detroit sports scene…..with his mother, Lois Hearns, is a fight promoter…..as their company, Hearns Entertainment, has promoted many cards, including the Mike Tyson–Andrew Golota bout in 2000. His son Ronald Hearns is also a boxer…..who fought on the undercard of his father’s last couple of fights. Hearns lives in Southfield, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit)…..and serves as a Reserve Police Officer with the Detroit Police Department. Due to personal financial issues, Hearns was forced to auction off his possessions at The Auction Block of Detroit, Michigan, on April 3, 2010…..with items that included a 1957 Chevy, a 1947 Fountain boat and a slew of collectible memorabilia. His debt to the IRS was $250,000….. which he took responsibility for repaying the entire debt…..which he said was accrued from being overly generous toward his large extended family.
Boxing – Documentary – 2017 – A CBS Fox Home Video Production Special – “The Leonard – Hearns Saga: Featuring Fight One (1981) & Fight Two (1989) And All Things In Between”
Professional boxing record
67 fights |
61 wins |
5 losses |
|---|---|---|
By knockout |
48 |
4 |
By decision |
13 |
1 |
Draws |
1 |
|
No. |
Result |
Record |
Opponent |
Type |
Round, time |
Date |
Location |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
67 |
Win |
61–5–1 |
Shannon Landberg |
TKO |
10 (10), 1:35 |
Feb 4, 2006 |
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. |
|
66 |
Win |
60–5–1 |
John Long |
TKO |
9 (10) |
Jul 30, 2005 |
Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
65 |
Loss |
59–5–1 |
Uriah Grant |
RTD |
3 (12), 3:00 |
Apr 8, 2000 |
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Lost IBO cruiserweight title |
64 |
Win |
59–4–1 |
Nate Miller |
UD |
12 |
Apr 10, 1999 |
MEN Arena, Manchester, England |
Won vacant IBO cruiserweight title |
63 |
Win |
58–4–1 |
Jay Snyder |
KO |
1 (10), 1:28 |
Nov 6, 1998 |
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
62 |
Win |
57–4–1 |
Ed Dalton |
KO |
5 (10), 2:47 |
Jan 31, 1997 |
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S. |
|
61 |
Win |
56–4–1 |
Karl Willis |
KO |
5 (10), 2:45 |
Nov 29, 1996 |
Civic Center, Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
|
60 |
Win |
55–4–1 |
Earl Butler |
UD |
10 |
Sep 26, 1995 |
The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. |
|
59 |
Win |
54–4–1 |
Lenny LaPaglia |
TKO |
1 (12), 2:55 |
Mar 31, 1995 |
Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Won vacant WBU cruiserweight title |
58 |
Win |
53–4–1 |
Freddie Delgado |
UD |
12 |
Feb 19, 1994 |
Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
Retained NABF cruiserweight title |
57 |
Win |
52–4–1 |
Dan Ward |
TKO |
1 (12), 2:09 |
Jan 29, 1994 |
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Won vacant NABF cruiserweight title |
56 |
Win |
51–4–1 |
Andrew Maynard |
TKO |
1 (10), 2:34 |
Nov 6, 1993 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
|
55 |
Loss |
50–4–1 |
Iran Barkley |
SD |
12 |
Mar 20, 1992 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Lost WBA light heavyweight title |
54 |
Win |
50–3–1 |
Virgil Hill |
UD |
12 |
Jun 3, 1991 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Won WBA light heavyweight title |
53 |
Win |
49–3–1 |
Ken Atkins |
TKO |
3 (10), 2:08 |
Apr 6, 1991 |
Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
|
52 |
Win |
48–3–1 |
Kemper Morton |
KO |
2 (10), 2:02 |
Feb 11, 1991 |
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S. |
|
51 |
Win |
47–3–1 |
Michael Olajide |
UD |
12 |
Apr 28, 1990 |
Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. |
Retained WBO super middleweight title |
50 |
Draw |
46–3–1 |
Sugar Ray Leonard |
SD |
12 |
Jun 12, 1989 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Retained WBO super middleweight title;For WBC super middleweight title |
49 |
Win |
46–3 |
James Kinchen |
MD |
12 |
Nov 4, 1988 |
Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. |
Won NABF and inaugural WBO super middleweight titles |
48 |
Loss |
45–3 |
Iran Barkley |
TKO |
3 (12), 2:39 |
Jun 6, 1988 |
Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. |
Lost WBC middleweight title |
47 |
Win |
45–2 |
Juan Roldán |
KO |
4 (12), 2:01 |
Oct 29, 1987 |
Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. |
Won vacant WBC middleweight title |
46 |
Win |
44–2 |
Dennis Andries |
TKO |
10 (12), 1:26 |
Mar 7, 1987 |
Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Won WBC light heavyweight title |
45 |
Win |
43–2 |
Doug DeWitt |
UD |
12 |
Oct 17, 1986 |
Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Retained NABF middleweight title |
44 |
Win |
42–2 |
Mark Medal |
TKO |
8 (12), 2:20 |
Jun 23, 1986 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles |
43 |
Win |
41–2 |
James Shuler |
KO |
1 (12), 1:13 |
Mar 10, 1986 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Won NABF middleweight title |
42 |
Loss |
40–2 |
Marvin Hagler |
TKO |
3 (12), 1:52 |
Apr 15, 1985 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
For WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring middleweight titles |
41 |
Win |
40–1 |
Fred Hutchings |
TKO |
3 (12), 2:56 |
Sep 15, 1984 |
Civic Center, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles |
40 |
Win |
39–1 |
Roberto Durán |
TKO |
2 (12), 1:05 |
Jun 15, 1984 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles |
39 |
Win |
38–1 |
Luigi Minchillo |
UD |
12 |
Feb 11, 1984 |
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles |
38 |
Win |
37–1 |
Murray Sutherland |
UD |
10 |
Jul 10, 1983 |
Caesars Boardwalk Regency, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. |
|
37 |
Win |
36–1 |
Wilfred Benítez |
MD |
15 |
Dec 3, 1982 |
Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
Won WBC and vacant The Ring light middleweight titles |
36 |
Win |
35–1 |
Jeff McCracken |
TKO |
8 (10), 1:29 |
Jul 25, 1982 |
Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
35 |
Win |
34–1 |
Marcos Geraldo |
KO |
1 (10), 1:48 |
Feb 27, 1982 |
The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
|
34 |
Win |
33–1 |
Ernie Singletary |
UD |
10 |
Dec 11, 1981 |
Queen Elizabeth’s Sports Centre, Nassau, Bahamas |
|
33 |
Loss |
32–1 |
Sugar Ray Leonard |
TKO |
14 (15), 1:45 |
Sep 16, 1981 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Lost WBA welterweight title;For WBC and The Ring welterweight titles |
32 |
Win |
32–0 |
Pablo Baez |
TKO |
4 (15), 2:10 |
Jun 25, 1981 |
Astrodome, Houston, Texas, U.S. |
Retained WBA welterweight title |
31 |
Win |
31–0 |
Randy Shields |
TKO |
12 (15), 3:00 |
Apr 25, 1981 |
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
Retained WBA welterweight title |
30 |
Win |
30–0 |
Luis Primera |
KO |
6 (15), 2:00 |
Dec 6, 1980 |
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Retained WBA welterweight title |
29 |
Win |
29–0 |
José Cuevas |
TKO |
2 (15), 2:39 |
Aug 2, 1980 |
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Won WBA welterweight title |
28 |
Win |
28–0 |
Eddie Gazo |
KO |
1 (10), 2:41 |
May 3, 1980 |
Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
27 |
Win |
27–0 |
Santiago Valdez |
TKO |
1 (10), 2:56 |
Mar 31, 1980 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
|
26 |
Win |
26–0 |
Ángel Espada |
TKO |
4 (12), 0:47 |
Mar 2, 1980 |
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Won vacant USBA welterweight title |
25 |
Win |
25–0 |
Jim Richards |
KO |
3 (10), 2:27 |
Feb 3, 1980 |
Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
|
24 |
Win |
24–0 |
Mike Colbert |
UD |
10 |
Nov 30, 1979 |
Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
|
23 |
Win |
23–0 |
Saensak Muangsurin |
TKO |
3 (10), 2:31 |
Oct 18, 1979 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
22 |
Win |
22–0 |
José Figueroa |
KO |
3 (10), 1:17 |
Sep 22, 1979 |
Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
|
21 |
Win |
21–0 |
Inocencio De la Rosa |
RTD |
2 (10) |
Aug 23, 1979 |
Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
20 |
Win |
20–0 |
Bruce Curry |
KO |
3 (10), 2:59 |
Jun 28, 1979 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
19 |
Win |
19–0 |
Harold Weston |
RTD |
6 (12) |
May 20, 1979 |
Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
|
18 |
Win |
18–0 |
Alfonso Hayman |
UD |
10 |
Apr 3, 1979 |
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
|
17 |
Win |
17–0 |
Segundo Murillo |
TKO |
8 (10), 2:25 |
Mar 3, 1979 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
16 |
Win |
16–0 |
Sammy Ruckard |
TKO |
8 (10) |
Jan 31, 1979 |
Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
|
15 |
Win |
15–0 |
Clyde Gray |
TKO |
10 (10), 2:03 |
Jan 11, 1979 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
14 |
Win |
14–0 |
Rudy Barro |
KO |
4 (10) |
Dec 9, 1978 |
Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
13 |
Win |
13–0 |
Pedro Rojas |
TKO |
1 (10), 1:09 |
Oct 26, 1978 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
12 |
Win |
12–0 |
Bruce Finch |
KO |
3 (10), 2:01 |
Sep 7, 1978 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
11 |
Win |
11–0 |
Eddie Marcelle |
KO |
2 (10), 2:59 |
Aug 3, 1978 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
10 |
Win |
10–0 |
Raul Aguirre |
KO |
2 (10), 2:08 |
Jul 20, 1978 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
9 |
Win |
9–0 |
Jimmy Rothwell |
KO |
1 (10), 1:49 |
Jun 8, 1978 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
8 |
Win |
8–0 |
Tyrone Phelps |
TKO |
3 (10), 2:08 |
Mar 31, 1978 |
Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
|
7 |
Win |
7–0 |
Ray Fields |
TKO |
2, 2:15 |
Mar 17, 1978 |
Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
6 |
Win |
6–0 |
Billy Goodwin |
TKO |
2, 1:18 |
Feb 17, 1978 |
Civic Center, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
|
5 |
Win |
5–0 |
Robert Adams |
TKO |
3 (6), 2:45 |
Feb 10, 1978 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
4 |
Win |
4–0 |
Anthony House |
KO |
2, 2:00 |
Jan 29, 1978 |
Hyatt Regency, Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |
|
3 |
Win |
3–0 |
Willie Wren |
TKO |
3 (6), 2:41 |
Dec 16, 1977 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|
2 |
Win |
2–0 |
Jerry Strickland |
KO |
3 (6), 1:27 |
Dec 7, 1977 |
Hillcrest Country Club, Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S. |
|
1 |
Win |
1–0 |
Jerome Hill |
KO |
2 (4), 1:59 |
Nov 25, 1977 |
Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Boxing – Video Tribute – 2019 – A Heikki M Production Special – ” Thomas “Hitman” Hearns Career Highlights Tribute”
Boxing – Video Tribute – 2010 – An oKINGo11 Production Special – “Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns: A Career Full Of Devastating Punches”
Boxing – Video Tribute – 2014 – An Krispy Boxing Production Special – “Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns: A Career Of Hard Work And Fight Ending Punches”
I have always been of the opinion that Thomas “Hitman” Hearns entire incredible boxing career from 1977 to 2006…..which places him right dab in the middle of The Golden Age of Boxing…..which spanned an era from the night that Cassius Clay “Shocked the World” when he KO’d Sonny Liston in 1964…..and ran through the 2nd Lennox Lewis defeat of Evander Holyfield in their 2nd title fight of 1999…..for this was a time when Hitman ruled the ring along with an unbelievable list of legendary boxers to include Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Alexis Arguello, Salvador Sanchez, Aaron Pryor, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, George Foreman and Mike Tyson et al…..cuz the truth be known, in the rings of professional boxing during The Golden Age, boxing fans everywhere were treated to multiple (sometimes as many a 6 deep) all time great boxing legends…..who all fought each other, generally multiple times. The Golden Age of Boxing was also when live televised boxing was first showcased…..which exploded after Cassius Clay transitioned to Muhammad Ali…..and it continued to grow exponentially until 1999…..when by Thomas Hearns career, professional boxing was drawing many of the outstanding athletes from other sports to boxing…..and as television boxing drew a wider-swarth of fans, that in turn drew a wide-swarth of advertisers …..which meant lots of revenue, or better put, Much Mo M $ O $ N $ E $ Y !!! It was also during this Golden Age of Boxing that our incredible boxing library was video taped…..which consists of entire fights and/or high highlights of approximately 900 professional boxing matches…..with some 500 being championship fights…..as the ImaSportsphile boxing library grew throughout the entire The Golden Age of Boxing…..and when all was said and done with this magical era in boxing…..and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns was one of it brightest stars and most respected legends of the era…..while outlasting all of his peers…..when earning more division titles than any other legend during The Golden Age…..albeit he could flick a left jab faster….and pound for pound could throw a harder knockout punch than anyone…..as evidenced by the final video.
Boxing – Extended Highlights – 2017 – A DanTheBoxingMan Production Special – “Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns: Career TKO’s and KO’s”
