The legendary Thomas Hearns has no doubt who hit him the hardest during his illustrious professional career.
Born and raised in Grand Junction, Tennessee, Hearns entered the paid ranks back in 1977 after an impressive amateur career which saw him produce no less than 155 victories against just 8 defeats.
He made his mark on the professional scene throughout the 1980s where he became the first fighter in boxing history to win world titles in five separate weight classes.
At the peak of his powers, Hearns was recognised amongst the sports ‘Four Kings’ alongside Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, a legendary quartet that dominated this golden era for boxing.
In a feature with The Ring Magazine, ‘The Hitman’ reflected on facing a number of heavy hitters during his career but singled out Sugar Ray Leonard who he claims hit him harder than anyone else along the way.
“I’ll have to think about that one. Iran Barkley, he was one of them … Marvin Hagler and Leonard. Ray punched pretty good. Pipino Cuevas never hit me, nor did Duran. I’d give it to Ray; he punched pretty good.”
Hearns suffered the first defeat of his career when he faced Leonard for the first time back in September of 1981, falling short in their showdown for the WBC and WBA world welterweight titles.
The legendary American duo locked horns for the second time in 1987 but the bout was declared a split decision draw as Leonard retained his WBC world super-middleweight title at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
