3. Thomas Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KO)

Born: Oct 18, 1958

 

While the head-to-head fantasy component is a faulty compass, is there anyone ranked under Hearns who you think would have stood a chance against the 'Motor City Cobra?" Again using the head-to-head component, it’s difficult to imagine a more strenuous challenge of divisional kingpin Sugar Ray Robinson in a fantasy match-up.  Not to mention that his title-winning triumph over Pipino Cuevas represents the most violent coronation of anyone on this fabled list.  The constant replaying of that knockout only serves to undersell Cuevas, who at the time was a dominant champion with a path of broken bones in his wake.

 

Losing to Leonard is counted against him, but the fact that he was under 2 rounds away from victory in one of the sport’s 'all-time greats’ defining victory is no ordinary loss.  What he brought to the table that night would have been good enough to beat most on this list.  And even though he came up short in his biggest moment, his pre-Leonard status is still something to admire.  Prior to winning the belt, Hearns racked up some nice wins, beating future title challenger Bruce Finch, Clyde Gray, Harold Weston, Bruce Curry, Saensak Muangsurin, and Angel Espada.  Throw in 4 title fight wins and that’s why at the time he fought Leonard, Hearns was 32-0 (30) and considered by some major publications as the top PFP fighter in the world.

 

It must be remembered the rematch to Ray Leonard, where he only came up with a draw was a travesty as he had won clearly.  It is credit to Leonard who said later "Tommy won that fight."  Tommy's murderous punching power sparked the durable Duran in two rounds, the onslaught from the first bell had Duran totalling bemussed by Hearns' ferocity.  No one has ever made the great Duran look so totally out of his depth.  Furthermore, many people overlook that Hearns was on his way to a TKO before Hagler found a missile from God to get the decision.