Thomas Hearns facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Thomas Hearns
Hearns at the White House in 1987
Statistics
Nickname(s)	The Hitman Motor City Cobra
Rated at	Welterweight Light middleweight Middleweight Super middleweight Light heavyweight Cruiserweight
Height	6 ft 2 in
Reach	78 in
Born	(1958-10-18) October 18, 1958 (age 66) Grand Junction, Tennessee, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	67
Wins	61
Wins by KO	48
Losses	5
Draws	1

Thomas Hearns (born October 18, 1958) is a famous American former professional boxer. He competed from 1977 to 2006. People knew him as "The Hitman" and the "Motor City Cobra."

Hearns was very tall and slim for a boxer, with long arms. This helped him move up in weight classes. He was the first boxer ever to win world titles in five different weight divisions. These were welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight.

He was named "Fighter of the Year" twice by The Ring magazine. This happened in 1980 and again in 1984. He was famous for his incredibly powerful punches. Even when he fought at a heavier weight, he could still knock out opponents. He is considered one of the greatest punchers in boxing history. In 2012, Hearns joined the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing
Starting a Professional Boxing Career
Personal Life
Professional Boxing Record
See also

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Thomas Hearns was born in Grand Junction, Tennessee, on October 18, 1958. He was the youngest of three children. When he was five, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan.

Hearns had a great amateur boxing career. He won 155 fights and lost only 8. In 1977, he won two big amateur championships. He won the National Amateur Athletic Union Light Welterweight Championship. He also won the 1977 National Golden Gloves Light Welterweight Championship.

Starting a Professional Boxing Career

Hearns began his professional boxing journey in Detroit in 1977. His coach was Emanuel Steward. Steward helped Hearns become one of the most powerful punchers in boxing history.

During his career, Hearns won six major world titles in five different weight classes. He beat many famous boxers who are now in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. These include José "Pipino" Cuevas, Wilfred Benítez, Virgil Hill, and Roberto Durán. He also won the IBO title at Cruiserweight.

Hearns started his career with an amazing streak. He knocked out his first 17 opponents! In 1980, Hearns had a perfect record of 28 wins and no losses. He then fought Mexico's Cuevas for a world title. Hearns won by TKO in the second round, ending Cuevas's four-year reign. Because of this, The Ring magazine named Hearns "Fighter of the Year" in 1980.

The Showdown: Hearns vs. Leonard

Hearns in Detroit, December 1981.

In 1981, Hearns, who was the WBA Champion with a 32–0 record, faced WBC Champion Sugar Ray Leonard. This fight was to decide the undisputed World Welterweight Champion. It was called "The Showdown."

Hearns lost his first professional fight when Leonard stopped him in the 14th round. Leonard was behind on points. He needed a knockout to win. In the 13th round, Leonard attacked strongly and almost knocked Hearns out. Hearns was saved by the bell. In the 14th round, Leonard continued his attack. The referee stopped the fight after Leonard landed more punches. This fight was a huge event. Hearns and Leonard earned a combined $17 million, which was the largest amount in sports history at that time.

Becoming a Light Middleweight Champion

After his loss to Leonard, Hearns moved up in weight. In December 1982, he won the WBC Super Welterweight (154 lb) title. He beat boxing legend Wilfred Benítez, who was a three-time world champion.

Hearns defended this title several times. His most impressive win in this weight class was against Roberto Durán. Hearns knocked out Durán in the second round. This was a huge achievement because no one had ever knocked out Durán before. This win earned Hearns his second "Fighter of the Year" award in 1984.

The War: Hearns vs. Hagler

While still the super-welterweight champion, Hearns decided to challenge Marvin Hagler. Hagler was the undisputed middleweight champion in 1985. This fight was called "The Fight," and later, "The War." Many people call it one of the greatest three rounds in boxing history.

Hearns hurt Hagler early in the first round. However, Hearns broke his right hand during that same round. He still managed to cut Hagler's forehead. The fight continued even with the cut. Hearns tried to keep Hagler away using his jab. But in the third round, Hagler knocked Hearns down. Hearns got up, but the referee stopped the fight. Even though Hearns lost, he earned a lot of respect from fans for his bravery.

Amazing Comebacks and More Titles

Hearns quickly bounced back after the Hagler fight. In 1986, he knocked out James Shuler in the first round. Sadly, Shuler died in a motorcycle accident a week later. Hearns gave his championship belt to Shuler's family at the funeral.

In March 1987, Hearns won the WBC light-heavyweight title. He beat Dennis Andries in the tenth round. Later that year, he knocked out Juan Roldán in four rounds. This made Hearns a four-weight world champion, as he won the vacant WBC middleweight title.

In a big surprise, Hearns lost his WBC middleweight title to Iran Barkley in June 1988. But Hearns quickly won another world title in November that year. He beat James Kinchen to win the first-ever WBO super-middleweight title. This made Hearns the first boxer to win a world title in five different weight divisions!

Rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard

Hearns had to wait until 1989 for a rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard. This time, they fought for Leonard's WBC super-middleweight title and Hearns's WBO title. Many people thought Hearns won this fight. He knocked Leonard down in the 3rd and 11th rounds. However, the judges scored the fight a controversial draw.

Later Career and Retirement

Hearns had another great performance in 1991. He challenged the undefeated WBA light-heavyweight champion Virgil Hill. Hearns used his boxing skills to win a clear decision. This added a sixth world title to his amazing career. In 1992, he lost this title to his old rival Iran Barkley. But he kept fighting and won his next eight matches.

In 1997, Hearns appeared on a WWF show. He had a fun storyline where he faced wrestler Bret Hart, who also used the "Hitman" nickname. Hearns even threw some punches at another wrestler, Jim Neidhart.

In 1998, Hearns had a rare "double knockdown" in a fight. Both Hearns and his opponent, Jay Snyder, landed punches at the same time in the first round. Both fell! Hearns got up before the referee counted to ten, but Snyder did not. Hearns won by knockout.

In 1999, Hearns won the IBO cruiserweight title in England. He lost this title in his next fight in 2000. He injured his ankle and had to stop the fight. Hearns fought two more times, winning both by TKO. His last fight was in 2006.

Personal Life

Hearns signs autographs in Houston in January 2014

Thomas Hearns's family is well-known in the Detroit sports world. His mother, Lois Hearns, is a fight promoter. Their company, Hearns Entertainment, has promoted many boxing events. Hearns's son, Ronald Hearns, is also a boxer. He fought on the same events as his father's last few fights.

Hearns lives in Southfield, Michigan, which is near Detroit. He also works as a Reserve Police Officer for the Detroit Police Department.

In 2010, Hearns had some financial difficulties. He had to auction off some of his belongings to pay off debt. He took responsibility for the debt, saying it came from being too generous with his large family. In 2012, he was ticketed for parking in the middle of the road, which was shown on the TV show Parking Wars.

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
67 fights	61 wins	5 losses
By knockout	48	4
By decision	13	1
Draws	1

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
67	Win	61–5–1	Shannon Landberg	TKO	10 (10), 1:35	Feb 4, 2006	The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
66	Win	60–5–1	John Long	TKO	9 (10)	Jul 30, 2005	Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
65	Loss	59–5–1	Uriah Grant	RTD	3 (12), 3:00	Apr 8, 2000	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Lost IBO cruiserweight title
64	Win	59–4–1	Nate Miller	UD	12	Apr 10, 1999	MEN Arena, Manchester, England	Won vacant IBO cruiserweight title
63	Win	58–4–1	Jay Snyder	KO	1 (10), 1:28	Nov 6, 1998	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
62	Win	57–4–1	Ed Dalton	KO	5 (10), 2:47	Jan 31, 1997	Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
61	Win	56–4–1	Karl Willis	KO	5 (10), 2:45	Nov 29, 1996	Civic Center, Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
60	Win	55–4–1	Earl Butler	UD	10	Sep 26, 1995	The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
59	Win	54–4–1	Lenny LaPaglia	TKO	1 (12), 2:55	Mar 31, 1995	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Won vacant WBU cruiserweight title
58	Win	53–4–1	Freddie Delgado	UD	12	Feb 19, 1994	Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.	Retained NABF cruiserweight title
57	Win	52–4–1	Dan Ward	TKO	1 (12), 2:09	Jan 29, 1994	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Won vacant NABF cruiserweight title
56	Win	51–4–1	Andrew Maynard	TKO	1 (10), 2:34	Nov 6, 1993	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
55	Loss	50–4–1	Iran Barkley	SD	12	Mar 20, 1992	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Lost WBA light heavyweight title
54	Win	50–3–1	Virgil Hill	UD	12	Jun 3, 1991	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Won WBA light heavyweight title
53	Win	49–3–1	Ken Atkins	TKO	3 (10), 2:08	Apr 6, 1991	Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
52	Win	48–3–1	Kemper Morton	KO	2 (10), 2:02	Feb 11, 1991	Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
51	Win	47–3–1	Michael Olajide	UD	12	Apr 28, 1990	Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.	Retained WBO super middleweight title
50	Draw	46–3–1	Sugar Ray Leonard	SD	12	Jun 12, 1989	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBO super middleweight title; For WBC super middleweight title
49	Win	46–3	James Kinchen	MD	12	Nov 4, 1988	Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.	Won NABF and inaugural WBO super middleweight titles
48	Loss	45–3	Iran Barkley	TKO	3 (12), 2:39	Jun 6, 1988	Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.	Lost WBC middleweight title
47	Win	45–2	Juan Roldán	KO	4 (12), 2:01	Oct 29, 1987	Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.	Won vacant WBC middleweight title
46	Win	44–2	Dennis Andries	TKO	10 (12), 1:26	Mar 7, 1987	Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Won WBC light heavyweight title
45	Win	43–2	Doug DeWitt	UD	12	Oct 17, 1986	Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Retained NABF middleweight title
44	Win	42–2	Mark Medal	TKO	8 (12), 2:20	Jun 23, 1986	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles
43	Win	41–2	James Shuler	KO	1 (12), 1:13	Mar 10, 1986	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Won NABF middleweight title
42	Loss	40–2	Marvin Hagler	TKO	3 (12), 1:52	Apr 15, 1985	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	For WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring middleweight titles
41	Win	40–1	Fred Hutchings	TKO	3 (12), 2:56	Sep 15, 1984	Civic Center, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles
40	Win	39–1	Roberto Durán	TKO	2 (12), 1:05	Jun 15, 1984	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles
39	Win	38–1	Luigi Minchillo	UD	12	Feb 11, 1984	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles
38	Win	37–1	Murray Sutherland	UD	10	Jul 10, 1983	Caesars Boardwalk Regency, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
37	Win	36–1	Wilfred Benítez	MD	15	Dec 3, 1982	Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.	Won WBC and vacant The Ring light middleweight titles
36	Win	35–1	Jeff McCracken	TKO	8 (10), 1:29	Jul 25, 1982	Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
35	Win	34–1	Marcos Geraldo	KO	1 (10), 1:48	Feb 27, 1982	The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
34	Win	33–1	Ernie Singletary	UD	10	Dec 11, 1981	Queen Elizabeth's Sports Centre, Nassau, Bahamas
33	Loss	32–1	Sugar Ray Leonard	TKO	14 (15), 1:45	Sep 16, 1981	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Lost WBA welterweight title; For WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
32	Win	32–0	Pablo Baez	TKO	4 (15), 2:10	Jun 25, 1981	Astrodome, Houston, Texas, U.S.	Retained WBA welterweight title
31	Win	31–0	Randy Shields	TKO	12 (15), 3:00	Apr 25, 1981	Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.	Retained WBA welterweight title
30	Win	30–0	Luis Primera	KO	6 (15), 2:00	Dec 6, 1980	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Retained WBA welterweight title
29	Win	29–0	José Cuevas	TKO	2 (15), 2:39	Aug 2, 1980	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Won WBA welterweight title
28	Win	28–0	Eddie Gazo	KO	1 (10), 2:41	May 3, 1980	Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
27	Win	27–0	Santiago Valdez	TKO	1 (10), 2:56	Mar 31, 1980	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
26	Win	26–0	Ángel Espada	TKO	4 (12), 0:47	Mar 2, 1980	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Won vacant USBA welterweight title
25	Win	25–0	Jim Richards	KO	3 (10), 2:27	Feb 3, 1980	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
24	Win	24–0	Mike Colbert	UD	10	Nov 30, 1979	Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
23	Win	23–0	Saensak Muangsurin	TKO	3 (10), 2:31	Oct 18, 1979	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
22	Win	22–0	José Figueroa	KO	3 (10), 1:17	Sep 22, 1979	Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
21	Win	21–0	Inocencio De la Rosa	RTD	2 (10)	Aug 23, 1979	Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
20	Win	20–0	Bruce Curry	KO	3 (10), 2:59	Jun 28, 1979	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
19	Win	19–0	Harold Weston	RTD	6 (12)	May 20, 1979	Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
18	Win	18–0	Alfonso Hayman	UD	10	Apr 3, 1979	Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
17	Win	17–0	Segundo Murillo	TKO	8 (10), 2:25	Mar 3, 1979	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
16	Win	16–0	Sammy Ruckard	TKO	8 (10)	Jan 31, 1979	Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
15	Win	15–0	Clyde Gray	TKO	10 (10), 2:03	Jan 11, 1979	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
14	Win	14–0	Rudy Barro	KO	4 (10)	Dec 9, 1978	Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
13	Win	13–0	Pedro Rojas	TKO	1 (10), 1:09	Oct 26, 1978	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
12	Win	12–0	Bruce Finch	KO	3 (10), 2:01	Sep 7, 1978	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
11	Win	11–0	Eddie Marcelle	KO	2 (10), 2:59	Aug 3, 1978	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
10	Win	10–0	Raul Aguirre	KO	2 (10), 2:08	Jul 20, 1978	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
9	Win	9–0	Jimmy Rothwell	KO	1 (10), 1:49	Jun 8, 1978	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
8	Win	8–0	Tyrone Phelps	TKO	3 (10), 2:08	Mar 31, 1978	Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
7	Win	7–0	Ray Fields	TKO	2, 2:15	Mar 17, 1978	Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
6	Win	6–0	Billy Goodwin	TKO	2, 1:18	Feb 17, 1978	Civic Center, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
5	Win	5–0	Robert Adams	TKO	3 (6), 2:45	Feb 10, 1978	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
4	Win	4–0	Anthony House	KO	2, 2:00	Jan 29, 1978	Hyatt Regency, Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
3	Win	3–0	Willie Wren	TKO	3 (6), 2:41	Dec 16, 1977	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
2	Win	2–0	Jerry Strickland	KO	3 (6), 1:27	Dec 7, 1977	Hillcrest Country Club, Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.
1	Win	1–0	Jerome Hill	KO	2 (4), 1:59	Nov 25, 1977	Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.