Boxing legend Thomas Hearns has revealed who he believes is the greatest fighter to have ever laced up a pair of gloves.
Hearns is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighters of all time, proving his credentials on more than one occasion during arguably the greatest era in boxing history.
‘The Hitman’ wrote his name into the boxing history books back in March of 1987 when he defeated Dennis Andries to capture the WBC light-heavyweight title and become the first fighter to win world titles in five separate divisions.
Hearns became a member of ‘The Four Kings’ during the peak of his career alongside former rivals Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, a legendary quartet who produced some of the most memorable moments in the sports history.
In a feature with East Side Boxing, Hearns named heavyweight icon Muhammad Ali as the greatest fighter of all time in his opinion, before ranking Joe Frazier at number two, followed by himself at number three.
Speaking to Title Boxing, ‘The Hitman’ spoke fondly of Ali, as he reveals he ‘idolised’ the three-time world heavyweight champion.
“I had one person that I idolised and that was Muhammad Ali. Nobody else.”
Hearns later revealed details of a sparring session he once had with Ali, which he says was a ‘wonderful experience’.
“That was a wonderful experience for me. When do you ever get a chance to spar with your idol? I wanted to be just like Muhammad Ali and I got a chance to box him? That had a big effect on my life. A great effect.”
Known as ‘The Greatest’, Ali proved himself to be not only one of the greatest fighters ever, but arguably the most influential figure to have ever graced the sport.
