Thomas Hearns, the legendary boxer known as 'Hitman', has ranked his fellow 'Four Kings' in his top 10 greatest fighters list. Hearns, who made history as the first fighter to win world titles in five weight classes, shared his thoughts on boxing's golden era of the 1980s.
Hearns' career spanned an impressive 29 years, from 1977 to 2006, during which he fought 67 professional bouts. He competed across various weight classes, from welterweight to light-heavyweight, and became part of the iconic 'Four Kings' alongside Roberto Duran, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, and Sugar Ray Leonard.
In his rankings, Hearns placed himself at number three, behind heavyweight legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He ranked his fellow 'Kings' as follows: Roberto Duran at number four, Sugar Ray Leonard at six, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, the former long-reigning undisputed world middleweight champion, at number ten.
Hearns' list reflects the intense rivalries and memorable fights that defined the 1980s boxing scene. One of the most thrilling quick fights in history took place in 1985 when Hearns faced Marvin Hagler for the middleweight championship. The bout ended with Hearns stopped in the third round, but it's remembered as an all-time classic.
In 1984, Hearns successfully defended his WBC light-middleweight title against Roberto Duran, winning by a second-round stoppage. His battles with Sugar Ray Leonard were equally memorable, with Hearns losing their first encounter by late stoppage and their second fight ending in a controversial draw that many felt Hearns should have won.
Hearns' rankings offer a unique perspective on an era that many consider the greatest in boxing history. His inclusion of his fellow 'Kings' in his top 10 list underscores the exceptional talent and fierce competition that defined their rivalries.
