Tommy Hearns played a key role in one of the greatest eras in boxing history that also involved Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler.
Known by his alias ‘Hitman’, Hearns began his professional career back in 1977 and went on to make history by becoming the first fighter ever to win world titles across five weight divisions.
He was a part of the infamous ‘Four Kings’ alongside Leonard, Hagler and Duran, locking horns with each of these legendary fighters on at least one occasions throughout his tenure.
Hearns also shared the ring with Puerto Rican icon Wilfred Benitez in 1982, defeating ‘El Radar’ via majority decision to capture the WBC world light-middleweight title after a fifteen round thriller in New Orleans.
After his memorable battles with Leonard, Hagler and Duran, ‘Hitman’ Hearns was once asked in a feature with The Ring Magazine to reveal which of these three icons of the sport was the overall best.
“Best boxing skills? Leonard. Hands down.”
Hearns and Leonard crossed paths for the very first time in September of 1981, doing battle for the undisputed welterweight championship at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
After an all-action affair, ‘Sugar Ray’ pounced on Hearns during the penultimate round of the bout, forcing the referee to call a halt to the fight in dramatic fashion.
‘Hitman’ was made to wait just shy of a decade to face Leonard in a rematch, challenging his rival for the WBC super-middleweight title. After another closely fought contest, the fight was declared a split decision draw despite both men claiming they had done enough to win.
A third and final encounter between Hearns and Leonard had reportedly been in the pipeline, but never came to fruition for unknown reasons.
