Thomas Hearns suffered a heartbreaking defeat against a major underdog.
In his sparkling career, ‘The Hitman’ cemented his legendary status beyond doubt, utilizing his thunderous power and speed to dominate his opponents.
He knew all about upsetting the apple cart, too. In an impressive display, Hearns defeated Virgil Hill to win light heavyweight gold.
However, while he was capable of overcoming the odds, on one occasion, it was he who lost a fight he was expected to win.
WOW: Thomas Hearns brutalized tough opponent for 12 rounds to defend world title in stoppage win
Thomas Hearns lost to Uriah Grant in a huge upset
On April 8, 2000, Thomas Hearns put his IBO cruiserweight title on the line against Uriah Grant, inside the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Going into the bout, while his opponent had previously held the IBF cruiserweight title, with a record of 27-14, he was not expected to get the win.
However, in a shocking turn of events, that’s exactly what happened.
Inside the very first round, Grant detonated a solid right hand that clearly hurt the icon.
Going into the second segment, Hearns knew he was in a real fight, and started throwing bombs.
The pair traded until the bell. However, while the fight was heating up nicely, Hearns suffered an ankle injury during the action that left him unable to continue, thus awarding Grant the win of his life.
The Jamaican eventually retired with a record of 30-21.
Thomas Hearns was brutally dethroned in knockout loss
While the defeat to Grant was tough for Hearns, it wasn’t the most devastating of his career.
In a world title defense, he went to war with a fighter determined to claim his scalp.
And it didn’t work out brilliantly for the American.
Shockingly, Hearns was brutally knocked out.