Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns had one of the most impressive and entertaining careers in boxing history as he is considered to be one of the ‘Four Kings’.
As Hearns boasts victories over Roberto Duran and Virgil Hill, there were plenty of memorable performances from the former champion.
Debuting in 1977, Hearns would compete up until 2006. Within this 29-year career, Hearns’ most famous fight was against Marvin Hagler.
Despite not being successful that night against ‘Marvelous’ it was one of just five losses in a fantastic career. However, the next loss that Hearns suffered was just as brutal.
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Thomas Hearns was stopped by Iran Barkley in 1988
Defeating Juan Roldan in October 1987, Hearns became the WBC World Middleweight champion. The win also increased his record to 45-2, with his only losses coming to Hagler and ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard.
For his first world title defense, he would take on then-future Duran opponent, Iran Barkley.
Barkley had a professional record of 24-4 and went into the bout as a huge underdog. The bout took place in June 1988 as the pair fought in Las Vegas.
Within the opening two rounds of the fight, it appeared that Hearns was on his way to proving the bookmakers right. However, Barkley was able to turn around the fight in the third round.
Despite being significantly damaged in the opening rounds of the fight, Barkley would come out aggressively in the third round. This would eventually lead to a sweeping right hand catching the champion, putting Hearns down.
Continuing with his pace and aggression, Barkley was able to put Hearns down again on the ropes. The referee waved off the bout, as Hearns had lost his middleweight crown.
Barkley became a world champion for the very first time with the win. However, he would lose the belt in his next bout to Duran.
Thomas Hearns could not get his revenge on Iran Barkley
Going unbeaten in his following six fights after losing to Barkley, Hearns would find himself again challenged by ‘The Blade’.
Their rematch would take place almost four years after their first meeting, in March 1992. Fighting in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Hearns was aiming to defend his WBA World Light Heavyweight title.
The bout was once again a close affair with both men having success. However, in their rematch, no one would be able to score a stoppage.
Winning the bout via split decision was Barkley, who dethroned Hearns for the second time in his career.
The ‘Hitman’ was unable to claim another world title in his career retiring 14 years later.