Thomas Hearns, boxing's first five division world champion, picked Muhammad Ali as the greatest fighter of all time. The man known as 'The Hitman' didn't hesitate to name the heavyweight icon when asked about his top pick.
Hearns had an incredible career that spanned from 1977 to 2006. He racked up 61 wins from 67 fights and started off with an impressive 32-fight undefeated streak before losing to Sugar Ray Leonard. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, Hearns was known for his powerful punching style.
The Detroit native, trained by Emanuel Steward, faced tough losses against boxing legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Iran Barkley. Despite these setbacks, Hearns achieved the remarkable feat of winning world titles in five different weight divisions.
Hearns was part of a legendary group known as 'The Four Kings,' which included Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, and Sugar Ray Leonard. These four fighters dominated boxing in the 1980s, creating some of the most memorable fights in the sport's history.
When it comes to ranking the all-time greats, Hearns puts himself in pretty good company. According to East Side Boxing, Hearns' top three list goes: Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and then himself.
But it's clear that Ali holds a special place in Hearns' heart. In an interview with Title Boxing, Hearns said:
"I had one person that I idolised and that was Muhammad Ali. Nobody else."
Hearns even got the chance to spar with his idol, an experience he cherishes to this day:
"That was a wonderful experience for me. When do you ever get a chance to spar with your idol? I wanted to be just like Muhammad Ali and I got a chance to box him? That had a big effect on my life. A great effect."
Ali, known as 'The Greatest,' made history by winning the heavyweight championship three separate times. His impact on boxing and popular culture was so significant that he remains the most recognizable name from the sport to this day.
Hearns' admiration for Ali goes beyond just his boxing skills. It's clear that Ali's personality and impact both inside and outside the ring left a lasting impression on 'The Hitman,' shaping his own approach to the sport and life.
