Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns
Born: Oct. 18, 1958
Bouts: 67
Won: 62
Lost: 5
Drew: 1
KOs: 48
Induction: 2012
Born October 18, 1958 in Memphis, TN. As a child, Hearns moved to Detroit and began boxing at age 10 at the King Solomon Gym. After his coach left, he moved to Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym. He compiled an impressive 155-8 amateur record and was named 1977’s Most Outstanding National Amateur Boxer.
He turned pro in 1977 and racked up 17 straight kayo victories. Wins over Bruce Finch, Harold Weston, Clyde Gray and Angel Espada led to a 1980 WBA welterweight title-winning bout against Pipino Cuevas (TKO 2). Following three defenses he met WBC champion Sugar Ray Leonard, in a 1981 unification bout and was stopped in 14 rounds of a classic battle. He rebounded to win the WBC light middleweight title with a 15-round decision over Wilfred Benitez in 1982. Three defenses, including a 2nd round TKO over Roberto Duran, came next. In 1985 he met Marvelous Marvin Hagler for the undisputed middleweight title. In one of boxing’s all-time action bouts, Hearns was stopped in three rounds. In 1987 he won his third division title by besting Dennis Andries (TKO 10) for the WBC light heavyweight strap. Later that year, Hearns made history, becoming the first man to win titles in four divisions by halting Juan Roldan (KO 4) to win the WBC middleweight belt. Hearns added yet another title to his collection, defeating James Kinchen (W 12) for the WBO super middleweight title in 1988. In 1991 he moved back to light heavy and beat Virgil Hill for the WBA belt (W 12). With a sharp left jab and vicious right hand, Hearns boxed until 2006 and registered a pro ledger of 61-5-1 (48 KOs).
The legendary “Hitman” resides in Detroit and is a fixture on the Motor City’s sports scene.