Thomas Hearns,known as both the "Hitman" and "Motor City Cobra," was one the most revered figures in the sport of boxing. Lighting-quick hands and a ferocious style made Hearns one of the most respected and feared competitors in the ring. Fighting as both an amateur and professional, Hearns earned a variety of official and honorary awards during a career spanning nearly 30 years.
Amateur Success
Hearns moved at an early age from the small town of Grand Junction, Tennessee, to Detroit. There, he began to box at the famed Kronk gym, under renowned trainer Emanuel Steward. As an amateur, Hearns amassed an impressive record of 155 wins and eight losses. He went on to win the AAU and Golden Gloves national titles in the junior-welterweight division.
Professional Record
Hearns officially entered the professional ranks on Nov. 25, 1977, by knocking out Jerome Hill in the second round of a scheduled four-round bout. He went on to knock out his next 16 opponents. Hearns finished his career with 61 wins, five defeats and one draw, with 48 victories coming by knockout. He fought in six weight classes between 144 and 191 pounds. Hearns lost an epic battle to "Sugar Ray" Leonard in September 1981, when he was stopped in the 14th round in what was billed as the fight of the decade.
Titles
On Aug. 2, 1980, Hearns won the World Boxing Association welterweight championship by knocking out Pipino Cuevas. Two years later, he beat Hall of Fame champion Wilfred Benitez, to capture the World Boxing Council's super-welterweight belt. In 1987, Hearns became WBC champion in both the light-heavyweight and middleweight divisions. On Nov. 4, 1988, at age of 30, he beat James "The Heat" Kinchen to win the World Boxing Organization super-middleweight title. Hearns won the WBA light-heavyweight and International Boxing Organization cruiserweight titles in 1991.
Accolades
Hearns was the first professional boxer to ever win world titles in five weight divisions. He was also named "Ring" magazine's Fighter of the Year in 1980 and 1984. In 1994, "Ring" also named Hearns "The Greatest Junior Middleweight of All-Time."
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