Thomas Hearns played a crucial role in one of boxing’s greatest eras.
The Memphis native is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighters to have ever laced up the gloves, proving his exceptional credentials throughout the course of his 29-year professional career which spanned between 1977 and 2006.
Hearns became the first fighter in the sport’s history to win world titles across five weight classes, ranging from welterweight to light-heavyweight before retirement after he picked up a victory in his 67th and final outing in 2006.
The peak of his campaign came during the eighties, where he was one part of the ‘Four Kings’ alongside Roberto Duran, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard, facing each of this legendary trio on at least one occasion.
Whilst ranking his top ten greatest fighters of all time, Hearns named each of those rivals in his list. First off, he put himself at number three just below heavyweight icons Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Panamanian great Duran was placed at number four in Hearns’ list, whilst Sugar Ray Leonard found himself put at number six.
As for Marvin Hagler, ‘Hitman’ placed the former long-reigning undisputed world middleweight champion at number 10 in his list.
Hearns was stopped in the third round of his 1985 showdown with Hagler, one of the most thrilling quick fights in history, falling short in his attempt at dethroning him of his middleweight championship.
‘Hitman’ defeated Duran a year prior to this loss however, stopping ‘Hands of Stone’ in the second round of their Las Vegas clash to successfully defend his WBC light-middleweight title. He faced Leonard twice, losing first by late stoppage and then drawing the rematch, though many felt Hearns deserved the nod.