Thomas Hearns, the 'Hitman', has picked Sugar Ray Leonard as the hardest puncher among boxing's legendary 'Four Kings'. Hearns shared this insight during a 'Best I Faced' interview with Ring Magazine, reflecting on his experiences in the ring with some of the sport's greatest fighters.
Hearns made history as the first boxer to win world titles across five weight divisions. He grabbed the WBA light-heavyweight world title in 1991 by defeating Virgil Hill. His career overlapped with what many consider the golden era of boxing, featuring epic battles against Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, and 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler.
When asked about the hardest puncher he faced, Hearns didn't hesitate to give credit where it's due:
"I'll have to think about that one. Iran Barkley, he was one of them … Marvin Hagler and Leonard. Ray punched pretty good. Pipino Cuevas never hit me, nor did Duran. I'd give it to Ray; he punched pretty good."
Hearns and Leonard fought twice in their careers. Their first bout on September 16, 1981, at Caesars Palace, saw Leonard stop Hearns in the penultimate round, unifying the WBC and WBA welterweight titles. The fight was a classic, with both men showing incredible skill and heart.
Eight years later, they met again in Las Vegas. This time, the bout ended in a split decision draw, with Leonard keeping his WBC super-middleweight title.
Hearns also had memorable fights with the other two 'Kings'. He stopped Roberto Duran in 1984 and lost inside the distance to Marvin Hagler in a thrilling 1985 showdown.
The 'Hitman's' assessment of Leonard's punching power adds another layer to the legacy of these four incredible fighters. Their battles defined an era and continue to inspire boxing fans and fighters alike.
