On this day: Thomas Hearns produced an epic knockout to become WBA welterweight champion.
Renowned for his exceptional punching power and magnificent jab, the American cemented his status as an all-time great.
Over the years, many a talented boxer had the misfortune of tasting Hearns’ dynamite hands.
With one fighter spiralling towards the canvas after finding himself on the receiving end of a monstrous punch.
Sheesh: Marvin Hagler named surprise boxing star as the hardest hitter he ever faced
Thomas Hearns knocked out Jose ‘Pipino’ Cuevas
On August 2, 1980, Thomas Hearns battled it out with Jose Cuevas inside the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, USA, in a fight billed as ‘World War II’.
‘The Hitman’ started beautifully, keeping his rival at bay with the jab before firing off lethal combinations.
In the second round, Hearns went in for the finish, landing a thunderous right hand that put the champion on wobbly legs.
Instinctively, the Memphis boxer pounced, landing a follow-up shot that sent Cuevas falling face-first towards the canvas.
Somehow, the Mexican beat the count, but realizing he was in no fit state to continue, the referee called a halt to the action.
Thomas Hearns lost in one of the biggest upsets of all time
Throughout his time in boxing, Hearns had many an epic night.
However, things didn’t always work out as he’d have liked.
On a night he’ll never forget, everything went wrong.
In a monumental shock, Hearns lost to a fighter who retired with a 30-21 record.