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Thomas HearnsAmerican seven-time World professional boxing champion
Date of Birth: 18.10.1958
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Thomas Hearns
Thomas Hearns, also known as "Thomas Hitman Hearns" and "Motor City Cobra," is an American professional boxer who has won seven World Championships in six different weight classes. He was born on October 18, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Hearns gained fame for his devastating punching power and was known for his technique called the "flicker jab."
Early Career
Hearns began his professional boxing career in 1977 in Detroit, Michigan, under the guidance of Emmanuel Steward. He quickly gained a reputation for his knockout ability and became known as the "Hitman." In his amateur career, Hearns had an impressive record of 155-8, with 147 wins by knockout. He won the National Amateur Athletic Union Championship in the welterweight division in 1977 and later won the Golden Gloves tournament.
World Championships
Hearns won his first World Championship title on August 2, 1980, when he knocked out Pipino Cuevas in the second round, becoming the WBA Welterweight Champion. He went on to defend his title successfully against fighters such as Luis Primera, Randy Shields, and Pablo Baez. Hearns was considered the "Fighter of the Year" by boxing journalists after his victory over Cuevas.
In 1981, Hearns faced his first defeat in a highly anticipated match against Sugar Ray Leonard. Although Hearns dominated the fight for 12 rounds, Leonard knocked him down in the 13th round and won by technical knockout in the 14th round. Despite this setback, Hearns continued to win World Championships, including the Junior Middleweight title against Wilfred Benitez in 1982. He also defeated notable opponents such as Roberto Duran, Fred Hutchings, and Mark Medal.
Hearns' most notable rival in the middleweight division was Marvin Hagler, who defeated him by knockout in the third round. Hearns finished his professional boxing career in 2000 with a record of 64-6, with 59 wins by knockout.
Legacy and Other Ventures
After retiring from boxing, Hearns made a brief comeback in 2002 but suffered a knee injury during a fight against Uriah Grant and was unable to continue. He also appeared in several TV shows and movies, playing himself in projects such as "A Man Called Hawk," "Martin," and "Who's the Boss?"
Hearns' family continues to have a presence in the boxing world. His mother, Lois Hearns, is a boxing promoter, and their company, Hearns Entertainment, has worked with various fighters. His son, Ronald Hearns, followed in his father's footsteps and is also a professional boxer.
Thomas Hearns currently resides in Southfield, Michigan. His boxing style has influenced fictional characters such as Rio Mishiba in the anime "Hajime no Ippo," who adopted Hearns' fighting style and named it the "Hitman Style." Professional wrestler Bret Hart also adopted the nickname "The Hitman" in tribute to Hearns.
With his achievements, including winning World Championships in five weight divisions, capturing the Golden Gloves tournament, and being named the "Fighter of the Year" twice, Thomas Hearns has a remarkable boxing career that many aspiring boxers admire.
