Thomas Hearns, a former professional boxer, competed vigorously in the ring from 1977 to 2006. Known by the nicknames "Motor City Cobra" and "The Hitman," Hearns emerged victorious in various weight divisions, namely welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. He began his professional career under the guidance of Emanuel Steward, amassing an impressive record of 61 wins, 48 of which were knockouts, 5 losses, and 1 draw. His remarkable journey in boxing started with an amateur record of 155-8, which paved the way to his first professional defeat against Sugar Ray Leonard in 1981 after an undefeated streak of 28 victories.

Hearns bounced back from his loss with renewed vigor, clinching the WBC Super Welterweight title from Wilfred Benítez in 1982. He became the first boxer to knock out Roberto Durán and made a name for himself in the middleweight division by challenging the undisputed middleweight champion Marvin Hagler in 1985. Despite breaking his right hand in the first round and ultimately losing the fight, Hearns' ability to open a deep cut on Hagler's forehead won him immense respect among fans and boxing aficionados. This bout has often been labeled as one of the three greatest rounds in boxing history.

Following his defeat, Hearns continued to ascend the ladder of success, winning the WBC light-heavyweight title in 1987 by defeating Dennis Andries. He became a four-weight world champion after winning the vacant WBC middleweight title in a bout against Juan Roldán. Despite losing his WBC middleweight title to Iran Barkley in 1988, Hearns' resilience saw him winning the inaugural WBO super-middleweight title by defeating James Kinchen the same year. His rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard in 1989 for Leonard's WBC super-middleweight title and Hearns's WBO title ended in a controversial draw, but Hearns pressed on, winning the WBA light-heavyweight title in 1991 by defeating Virgil Hill. Hearns' final fight was in 2006 against Shannon Landberg, which he won by TKO. In total, Hearns won six world titles and two continental titles.

Apart from his boxing career, Hearns also serves as a Reserve Police Officer with the Detroit Police Department. In his spare time, Hearns enjoys spending time with young boys and girls as they prepare for a future in boxing, supporting mental health care provisions for his community and inner-city youths, and talking about his history and the close relationship he had with Manager Emanuel Steward.

Boxing, Athlete, Michigan, Sports At-Risk Youth, Mental Health, Volunteerism,