Thomas Hearns Reveals the Toughest Champion He Faced: Better Than Leonard, Duran, Hagler
Thomas Hearns, one of boxing’s all-time greats, reflects on his illustrious career, notably at super-welterweight. While many remember his legendary bouts against iconic fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler, Hearns has shared a surprising choice for the toughest champion he faced.
Hearns’ Legacy in Boxing
Throughout his 29-year career, Hearns participated in 67 fights, showcasing his talent across five weight classes:
- Welterweight
- Super-welterweight
- Middleweight
- Light-heavyweight
- Cruiserweight
His remarkable victories include iconic knockouts of Pipino Cuevas and Roberto Durán. These moments are etched in boxing history, while his encounters with Leonard and Hagler are considered classics.
Focus on Wilfred Benitez
In a recent interview with Ring magazine, Hearns discussed his toughest opponent, revealing that it was Wilfred Benitez, a master boxer from Puerto Rico. Hearns faced Benitez at the New Orleans Superdome in December 1982, a fight that remains memorable for its tactical brilliance.
Hearns noted Benitez’s impressive skills, calling him “slick and crafty.” He admired how Benitez effectively maneuvered around the ring, presenting a significant challenge. Despite having previously faced legendary names like Leonard and Hagler, Hearns regards his bout with Benitez as particularly demanding.
The Fight Against Benitez
When Hearns stepped into the ring with Benitez, he was determined to showcase his boxing acumen rather than solely relying on his knockout power. Emanuel Steward, Hearns’ manager and trainer, commented, “Thomas outboxed the boxer.” This statement underlines Hearns’ strategic approach during the fight.
However, the match was not without its challenges for Hearns. He suffered a right hand injury midway through the contest, which limited his ability to fully utilize his power in the later rounds. Nonetheless, his resilience and adaptability helped him claim the victory and secure the WBC super-welterweight title.
Looking Ahead
After triumphing over Benitez, Hearns set his sights on moving up to the middleweight division. This transition led to a highly anticipated showdown against Marvelous Marvin Hagler, marking another pivotal chapter in his storied career.
In summary, Thomas Hearns’ recognition of Wilfred Benitez as his toughest opponent provides a unique perspective on the sport. It highlights the technical skill and adaptability required to succeed at the highest levels of boxing.
