Thomas Hearns played a crucial role in one of the greatest eras in boxing history.
The Tennessee-native entered the paid ranks back in 1977 and would embark on an outstanding professional career to eventually become the first fighter ever to win world titles in five separate weight classes.
The bulk of Hearns’ success came during the 1980s where he would go on to be recognised as a member of ‘The Four Kings’ alongside former rivals Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard, a legendary quartet that took boxing by storm during that golden era.
In an interview with Express & Star, Hearns shared his thoughts on his memorable rematch with Leonard back in 1989, as he claims he was ‘robbed’ of the victory against his countryman.
“I had always agreed Ray won the first fight fair and square and, to be fair to him, we talked and he agreed I won the second time. I consider us 1-1.”
“It was a personal thing and that meant a lot, because I had been robbed. We were friends, so I respected to his opinion. He was not only a great fighter but a great man, too. I really wanted us to settle the score for a third time, but it wasn’t to be.”
Leonard got the better of ‘The Hitman’ in their first encounter in September 1981, stopping him in the penultimate round of their showdown at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to become the undisputed welterweight champion.
Their rematch, which was contested for the unified WBC and WBO super-middleweight titles, ended in a split decision draw after a competitive 12 rounds at Caesars Palace yet again, although it has been argued that Hearns had done enough to be declared the winner after a closely-fought contest between the legendary duo.
