EXCLUSIVE: Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns reminisces life as a fighter; advice to his younger self

Ring TV's Cynthia Conte sat down for an exclusive interview with Hall-of- Famer and seven- time world champion legend Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns" after the Spence vs. Garcia Live Press Conference before the Santa Cruz vs. Rivera at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA. I take Hearns down memory lane and we talk about his favorite fight he's ever fought, his mythical matchup for himself, who would he like to fight again, talks about his new business venture exclusively on Ring TV and much more!

[@garydelcourt2791]

Ran into Mr. Hearns a couple weeks ago. Hadn’t seen him a few years but he is still the classiest man on the planet. We got to talking about some of his championship bouts and there is not one ounce of ego. He told me he just felt blessed and fortunate. The Hitman!

[@tinaa9231]

I love this bloke Gary. A warrior and a gentleman to the core. A true role model. Phil.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

You lucky guy. i would love to meet him.

[@paulcolville5972]

One does get the impression in listening to Hearns over the years that there's truly no badness or bitterness in him at all. His reaction to the bad decision in the Leonard rematch in '89 speaks to that. Also I read that he broke his hand early in the Hagler fight but didn't mention it later lest it spoil Haglers moment?

[@bexmack122]

The speech is slurred but the brain is still slick. Love this guy

[@bruh7230]

Basically James toney lol

[@68majortom]

What age is Hearns now he must be about 70 but there's gotta be some brain damage? A Legend and a damn shame what these greats are reduced to in later years ✌️☹️

[@jamesthomson5370]

@@68majortom 61

[@foenemsgrave2184]

Bex Mack u gotta go listen to Riddick Bowe talk😬

[@im_amil]

68majortom I saw him about 5 minutes ago he’s doing well during these times

[@TheIkaraCult]

I hope Tommy is being cared for by his loved ones. All of us love the man.

[@ringmasterjeb3453]

Sent a letter to the Kronk back in 1982 and Tommy sent me a letter and a signed pic. I still have this picture on my wall. Love that Tommy Hearns !!!

[@MrWoodCy]

Great story. Really enjoyed Tommy and Marvin during the 80s. Carried the sport after Ali....Everyone talks about Leonard....But let’s be honest. He cherry picked after 82...Marvin and Tommy took on all comers. No disrespect to Ray, who had outstanding ability. Just more of businessman matchmaker

[@joseantoniodelgado109]

Blessings brother.

[@Malaka300]

Never heard a bad word about the Hitman.

[@damink7497]

Cool

[@brandnew9834]

That’s awesome.

[@Pinoy2500]

They don't make it like him no more! Legendary Hitman..

[@mike62mcmanus]

Manny Pacquiao

[@nardoumizaki3086]

@@mike62mcmanus nah hes more like duran

[@joseantoniodelgado109]

The Legendary Tommy The Hitman Hearns, Respect...

[@rocnjoshowjochell3236]

This is beautiful “ I wouldnt change a thing i have no regrets”

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

Broke his hand on Hagler’s head and kept going,that’s determination right there. Best first round in boxing history in my opinion.

[@samkeychain4859]

It might be a head first defense where it's hardest n time it right..the skull turns to be a hand breaker if timed right..haglwe must of known possibility n knew Tommy broke it..

[@mariumrajah]

💯

[@draco2xx]

oh hell no, i wouldve call it off after that. hearns could've lost his hand from that fight and guess what he wouldnt be able to fight anymore giving us amazing fights. health is wealth

[@jonnydanger7181]

I once heard his trainer gave him a leg massage before that fight. that sure couldn’t of helped.

[@TheIkaraCult]

Tommy, Duran, Marvellous and Sugar Ray were a different breed.

[@Head318Hunter]

Tommy was 6'1" but he had the reach of a 7 ft tall man. His right hand was like a heat seeking missle.

[@francisjtuk]

Yes as Duran found out

[@steveg2479]

The Motor City Cobra. I wonder why he dropped it. Legend of a golden era.

[@somebloke13]

Amen brother! 👌👍👏

[@Chief2Moon]

Shaking his hand I realized just how big his right hand is. I'm pretty thankful I never felt his fist!

[@michaelcastillo5125]

Yeah, Nuclear Tip! Lol

[@SunsetNova]

A warrior personified. He has all my respect and reverence.

[@nicholasbatastini1311]

I’ll tell you something. This man was a class act, and a monster (in the best way). Absolute legend.

[@tiha6708]

Man that boxing is for the birds. I hate seeing how these guys end up. I'm glad he still seems to be mentally in gear, but his speech makes it very clear that some neurons got shuffled around. Good luck and life, Hit Man, and thank you for the exciting memories. Much love and respect.

[@corneliuswonder]

Her enthusiasm and appreciation of Hearns is infectious. Great and insightful interview with great mixture of questions.

[@jamescoleman446]

Lol…”infectious”.

[@adamlees4496]

I grew up watching Tommy and he was my favourite fighter as a kid.That stare,that pulverising right hand.that jab.He was a sensation and one of the most explosive fighters ever.He's shown signs of damage for a while so i won't go there.All i want to do is thank this great warrior for giving his soul and heart for the fans and hope god looks after this legendary champion in his later years.

[@mysticman07]

Living legend!!!

[@tbolin25]

This Man is a Champion inside and out!! Carries himself with class and dignity and I am so Honored and fortunate that I got to witness all of the greats from the 60's through the 90's. So many are gone now sitting on their thrones in the Pantheon keeping Tommy's place warm!! Live long Great Champion, your place in the Pantheon can wait, we need you here!!!

[@odsawyer8404]

One of the very best! Respect the legend.

[@jasonbrown9731]

He's the only man who really gave Duran a hiding. Knocked him out stone cold.

[@bmccabe1767]

A true great from a great era.

[@Chief2Moon]

Having met Tommy in Detroit I can say he was one of the friendliest most down to earth guys with no attitude or pretense that I've ever met....No doubt the guy's he fought saw a different Tommy than I did.

[@crupilad]

God bless you Hearns, Thanks for all the excitement, i'm still watching some of your fights today

[@billyshane3804]

A brilliant athlete and a wonderful human being. God bless Hitman Hearns.

[@whitehurstcomic]

Amazing talent. To take out Cuevas and Duran both in the 2nd round, two guys who had never been knocked out at the time was incredible. Even when he lost it was exciting. I wish him and long and happy life and I thank him for all the memories.

[@jasonbrown9731]

I was a big Duran fan and was shocked at the time how Hearns felled him like a tree.

[@mike62mcmanus]

Pepino was never the same fighter after Hearns...

[@severusfloki5778]

God bless you Tommy! Legend

[@jameshampton2899]

True legend one of the greatest of all times..One of my favorite of all times.

[@nadeemyasin4822]

Legend ! Left jab , right hand , left hook to ribs , hand speed. Great fighter and a true gentleman.

[@naka4214]

Hate that most legends end up like this

[@mike62mcmanus]

No one gets away unscathed, its just a difference of degrees...

[@akajakeyyale1897]

Mike McGomer Mayweather comes to mind. If Fury can keep his up he will be a Heavy Weight to do so.

[@fathead3381]

Foreman came away pretty clean. In his 70s, and still sounds smooth as silk.

[@mike62mcmanus]

@@fathead3381 Chivallo also.. he fought Ali Athen went dancing while Ali was in the hospital.... Kind of like Wilder and Fury

[@joshuatree5620]

@Weghweh Hwewehwhe true,i noticed Ali was always susceptible to left hooks,the first man to knock Ali down did it with a left hook,obviously he took a lot of left hooks from Frazier too.

[@broncobilly4029]

Thank you for doing this interview. So glad to see Tommy Hearns is still doing well. He was a true warrior and an inspiration.

[@trsdarrin]

All i can say is thank you your the man

[@damink7497]

Tommy talked like that when he was young too, he's fine sure punches didnt help but i love him anyway he made us all proud to be from Michigan

[@NomenFugazi]

Mink. You’re right,he did talk like that even at the beginning of his career.I always wondered if it was a speech impediment ,but what a fighter and a classy human being.

[@damink7497]

@@NomenFugazi thanx paul

[@swedenoble6083]

B's His decline is massive Grow the f... Up

[@rubinturner8233]

Many who aren't older than 30 probably don't even know how great this man was in his time as a champion. The slurring is obvious, but out of respect for him, I simply care to soak up his experiences and retrospect of a great boxer.

[@mamanvlogs6914]

I'm 16 but I love his fights

[@MusicHeadliner]

Martin episode definitely made sure the younger generation remember him

[@c.san.8751]

Part of the greatest era for those weight classes. Hearns, Hagler, Duran, Mugabi, Leonard, Benitez etc. Unbelievable. Can throw in Pryor as well. So many great fights!

[@davidlee3670]

I AM 54YRS OLD NOW AND HAVE BEEN STUDENT OF BOXING FOR 47 YRS OF THOSE & I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO WITNESS THE FAB 4 MY FAVOURITE IS 1 HAGLER NEVER IN A BORING FIGHT HE COULD DO IT ALL EVEN SWITCH HIT LIKE IT WAS NATURAL WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT 12 SUCCESSFULL DEFENCES 11 VIA STOPPAGE APART ROM DURAN MOSTLY NO: 1 CONTENDERS AS HAGLER WAS THE UNDISPUTED MW CHAMPION FOR ABOUT 7 YRS 2 DURAN 4 DIVISIONAL WORLD CHAMPION THE ONLY BOXER TO BEAT SRL IN HIS PRIME HIS LAST STRAP WAS AGAINST IRAN BARKLEY BY SD WHO WAS IN HIS PRIME AT 28YRS OLD HE ENDED UP BEING A H O F BOXER DID BARKLEY A 3 DIVISIONAL WORLD CHAMPION A MUCH YOUNGE BIGGER AND STRONGER BOXER THAN DURAN AT 37YRS OLD 4 DIVISIONS ABOVE HIS NATURAL WEIGHT CLASS PRIME & 11 YRS PAST DURANS PRIME BUT HE STILL PREVAILED 3 THOMAS THE HIT MAN HEARNS AGAIN NEVER IN A BORING IGHT WIN OR LOSE HEARNS COULD HAVE WON MORE BUT HE LOVED TO GOTO WAR HE WAS A SUBLIME BOXER WHICH FANS TEND TO OVERLOOK AS THEY WATCH THE HITMAN HEARNS KO REELS ON KZbin I TRU;LLY HAVE HEARNS AS THE 1ST 5 DIVISIONAL WORLD CHAMPION WW 1980 CUEVAS 2 RDS TKO WBA JMM 1982 BENITEZ 15 RDS POINTS WBC LHW 1987 ANDREIS 10 RDS TKO WBC MW 1987 ROLDAN 4 RD TKO KO SMW 1988 KINCHEN 12 RDS POINTS WBO SO HEARNS WON ALL HIS BELTS LEGIMATLEY AT THE BOXERS WEIGHT CLASSES UNLIKE SRL WHO MADE LALONDE SWEAT DOWN TO 12 STONE 7 LBS UNDER HIS WORLD TITLE BELT WEIGHT SO LALONDE WAS WEAK AT THAT PARTICULAR YET EVEN THOUGH LALONDE WAS FIGHTING 12LBS UNDER HIS BELT WEIGHT OF 175 LBS HIS LHW TITLE WAS STILL ON THE LINE 4 SRL WAS AN ATG BOXER BUT HE WAS THE MASTER OF THE NEGOTIONATION TABLE LONG BEORE MAYWEATHER CAME ALONG BECAUSE SRL WAS THE GOLDEN BOY OF BOXING EVERY BOTHER BOXER HAD TO BOW TO HIM AT THE NEGOTIATIOIN TABLE AS HE BROUGHT IN THE BIG BUCKS PARTICUALLY DONNY LALONDE FOR A FEW MILLION MORE SRL MADE LALONDE SIGN THE CONTRACT TO FIGHT AT THE SMW LIMIT OF 168 SO HW WAS WEIGHT DRAWN BUT WBC ALLOWED BOTH WEIGHT CLASS BELTS TO BE ON THE LINE FOR THE GOLDEN BOY SRL THAT WAS 11/ 07 / 1988 YET HEARNS DID IT LEGIMATLY IN 3 MONTHS LATER BY KNOCKING OUT ROLDAN

[@nibbax7772]

@@c.san.8751 mid mayweather sleeps them all 🤡

[@earlwashington8104]

This great man was generous with his millions beyond words. I witnessed it. RIP John Hearns. Emw

[@danroux4010]

His brain is still sharp.

[@littleblackduck3134]

Conte did a very good job, pacing , giving time to respond, and valued questions while maintaining respect for a beloved Champion

[@lordburlap1925]

One of the best.....but I am sorry to hear how he sounds today.....

[@leroyvassell4395]

Love seeing the great Thomas Hearns, smiling 😃

[@famlivewinnerscircle5648]

Appreciate the interview with a True Legend and the being yourself while doing the interview.

[@broken1394]

Dapper man - amazing fighter.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

He'd take on anyone! Marvin NEVER wanted him again!! Never gave him chance! Thanks Tommy!!!!!

[@peterwaldie4478]

I loved tommy hearns , a true fighting legend and all time great. But if tommy wanted to fight marvin , and as long as they paid marvin what he was due he'd fight him every day of the week. Hagler ducked nobody EVER.

[@dariusp422]

I wouldn’t say that at all cause let’s not forget tommy Hearns broke his hand hitting marvin haglers head so I think that speaks for itself because once a guy beats you and you know you can’t hurt him well you know the rest😂

[@bestshortclips18]

Don’t disrespect hagler ever like that again you clown

[@Tom-ej8bb]

@@bestshortclips18 Well look it up jack!! Hagler didn't want any part of Tommy baby!!

[@bestshortclips18]

@@Tom-ej8bb hagler kod hearns within 3 rounds you fool

[@stevenhedley9617]

The hitman ! The only one to do that to Duran ! "Oh he's got him with a right" ! Living Legend !!! 👊

[@paulreader7353]

Motor city cobra the leverage of the punching was amazing every angle so much power from a thin frame

[@adamlees4496]

Trinidad was the same.tremendous power from such a thin frame although not in tommy's league.

[@daleperry7759]

What an absolute gentleman, with great advice for the kids. Most greats turn their backs on boxing after they retire - for one reason: why live in the past? They have more to live for. The wisdom, patience and kindness of Thomas Hearns is on full display here for modern boxers and boxing fans to learn from. Thank you, sir.

[@drfeelgood9814]

Just watched a bunch of his fights yesterday!.. thanks Champ you are a Living Legend!🙏

[@dougiemcbriar1998]

So sad, these guys thrilled us, entertained us & now they are really showing the effects of all those great nights. God bless them all through the ages to the greatest.

[@deinowolfhybridhero5101]

A real warrior. A Samurai of the ring. Honor to the hit man, legend of boxing

[@TimeStrider]

My absolute favorite fighter of all time! Deontay Wilder take notes; here's a guy who also had a great right hand but who also knew how to box.

[@tonyburke9334]

Tommy is a legend and my personal all time favourite, he never had a dull fight, God bless you Tommy

[@tinaa9231]

Tommy is a champion both in and out of the ring. The nicest bloke in boxing bar none. Honour, dignity and courage personified. Long live the Hitman! Phil.

[@alanleemaxwell831]

The man is an all time great, and deserves the respect and all the admiration he gets. There'll never be another like him!!! 🥊🇬🇧

[@michaelparagoso4692]

Respect to you hitman !💪🏼

[@teddyvincent4833]

God bless Tommy. Always be one of my heroes.

[@shanksponies]

What a legend. The speech is slurred but he looks healthy otherwise and he looks happy. A new book is just out by Don Stradley remembering the Hearns v Hagler fight and anyone reading this comment might be interested, it’s a great book.

[@williemuhammad80]

One of my all time favorites ❤ The Hitman! Some of the Greatest boxing experiences I've ever seen 🙌 God bless 🙏 him n his family

[@ccfc6523]

God Bless Him, he sounds Punch Drunk. Hope he enjoys his life he is only 61

[@manos3790]

Sad to hear a legend such as Tommy Hearns sounding alarmingly punch drunk. 😢

[@salvatorelucania5203]

I know he said the roldan fight was a hard 12 rounds and he KO'd roldan in 4..such a shame, Leonard n Hagler have their faculties don't slur cos they got out at the right time, Ray Leonard might've taken alot of punishment v Terry Norris and macho Camacho but he only had 40fights considering he turned pro in 76/77 and had his last fight in 97 with about 40retirements in between lol, Hagler only wanted a Leonard rematch but no way was he gonna give him it until Hagler was well past it, marvelous Marv had 68fights in a 14yr career whereas Tommy didn't fully hang em up til he was 46 all the millions had gone n it's a damn shame to see him struggling financially because he didn't have the knowledge of how to look after that cash..oh well we got the memories forever

[@radi2986]

@@salvatorelucania5203 hagler started late i think Boxing at 20 while hearns started very young

[@salvatorelucania5203]

@@radi2986 possibly a reason but Duran fought til he was started at 15, guess it's just luck.

[@iloverosenamajunas8082]

@Chaka Marvin isnt as bad. U have to do it smart and know when to stop

[@iloverosenamajunas8082]

@KayEs i never meant that he is bad, of course you can't have a boxing career without any damage but he is doing great now because he knew when to call it quits so he could have good life after boxing

[@gianca60]

Much love for Thomas from Italy.

[@cooper482011]

RIP Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Italy became his home away home.

[@RobertMiller-ye9hm]

Tommy is what most of todays boxers aren’t . A true gentleman an example to the young men in the sport. Todays trash talkers are an embarrassment to young men .

[@TG-ov8gl]

Total fucking respect to that man. I love Tommy Hearns.

[@charliewartelle6720]

What a great fighter, and great guy.

[@lancemccabe3739]

...MY ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!!!....❤⭐❤...

[@saravanansubramaniam4263]

You are always remembered as a great fighter, respected in and out of ring.

[@Herr2Cents]

Cynthia, I can see your love for the sport. I've seen others, but your respect for the sport comes through and stands out. Good luck as you progress.

[@bobke114]

He was always a class act. Met him in Vegas. Tommy was never the slickest speaker but he was a sincere in what he said as he is on this

[@tonychuter4830]

Hearns talking about marvellous marvin his eyes lit up WOW that says it all ...

[@seanpgardner7374]

It’s undisputable, just like the Marvelous (M.H.) one was, the real deal he was and always will be✨🥊✨Solid Champion! 🥇 👊🏾 🇺🇸

[@Mark-yj4ou]

Subscribed! We need more interviews like this ...

[@littleblackduck3134]

Tommy we love you

[@revporl2]

His speech is bad, but he's an eloquent bloke still

[@Chief2Moon]

Paul Stevens He's such a mellow down to earth guy in person, gotta admire him

[@bknights80s2]

He was amazing, but it shows you what Hagler's wrecking ended up costing him. RIP Marvelous!

[@JC-el1zu]

My Favorite Boxer to watch since started watching boxing in early 1970's

[@mosesshelwood8061]

Thank God for this message from thomas.

[@chaananyah6784]

My Favorite Boxer of all-time!

[@leonamonzer4947]

his speech !!!!!! is it really worth it ?

[@michaelkoszowski3716]

So many great fighters in the 80's ..the greatest era in boxing !!

[@gregoryroberts8563]

PROPS TO THE HITMAN!!🥊🥊🥊

[@carlcarlson1369]

Tommy was a great fighter seems like a very good human being

[@WbjustinOnEbay]

Would not want to step in the ring with this legend. Absolute beast.

[@johnmatthews3990]

Living legend right enough. My boxing hero

[@seanthomas8594]

True legend love him xxxx

[@chowchow1850]

Thank you Tommy for all the great fights HOF. Good health to you GOAT.

[@saulpaulsaul3378]

Different class LEGEND

[@robertdipaola3447]

What a great fighter!!-- and tremendous puncher!!!!

[@palitsalagivickers4588]

One of the most dangerous boxers of all time.Hight- Reach and power,he had it all.

[@yocz2007]

Thomas Hearns the hit man is a great champion he tries not to put down no body. MY RESPECTS!

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

This man was electric in his day pure box office..He was the one which excited me the most out of all those greats in that era..!!👌☮️

[@nickkoutsou9385]

,,💯% legend of the sport 🥊

[@wainerollins2587]

There can't be a boxing fan that dislikes Tommy Hearns. The man is pure class, never ducked anyone and would fight Godzilla and King Ghidorah on the same night and would demand an immediate rematch if he lost.

[@alfonsoamador958]

The " The One And Only, The Legend, The Motor City Cobra, The Hit Man Tommy Hearns. The best name ever in boxing. Like him better thank of his oponents

[@coajrmusic]

Bumped into Tommy twice in Detroit; at the Palace and the airport. He treated me like an old friend....it was great. Ty Sir...

[@mickharrison9004]

Hearns v hagler legandary fights second to none, and great to know you more hitman, an honour 👊

[@BruceLee-zd9bw]

Tommy was one of the best ever to lace em up. He fought everyone and never ducked anyone. His had outstanding boxing ability, and a devestating right hand. Total respect to a legend. I salute you. 🙏✊🥊🥊🥊

[@zhakreayounes5883]

He is a honrouble man.He broked his right hand on Marvelous Marvin Hagler.He never mentioned after he lost.He was a welterweight & fought a Middleweight.He is greater than MMH.He is the first black boxer 2 win 5 World titles at different weight divisions.MMH was gr8.All of them giants gave millions of people their souls,and pleased them.

[@edntz]

Great interview!

[@WallRedd]

Top guy. Bless you brother.

[@philiplevins6702]

if you go to war....a warrior...there are going to be scars ....these guys put their lives on the line each and every time...Legend....peace

[@Anthony-Testicali]

Word to your mother

[@lechaussonphoceenassociati5955]

i appreciate too, great, amazing

[@maxhord1490]

thanks for the memories champ

[@michaelh.117]

The Hearns-Duran fight still blows me away. As tough as Duran was, Hearns just walked right through him like he was nothing. Every time I watch it, I just think, "Damn!" And Tommy totally got ripped off in the second fight with Leonard. Did everything he had to do to earn the win (but Leonard always climbed through the ropes with about a ten-point lead, which was next to impossible to overcome). And here, with this poor, well-meaning interviewer, Tommy shows that he has a sweet side, too. He kinda reminds me of my grampa (though Tommy and I are about the same age). Very best to this legend!

[@stefanomarcari1527]

Il più grande di tt i tempi ❤

[@jintoor]

Hearns was always very exciting to watch

[@Jet-tb7tw]

I still consider the 1st fight between Tommy and Sugar Ray to be the most electrifying fight of all time.

[@alexismccourt7712]

What a Star.

[@ninolama]

What a legend. Hearns is an all time great!

[@maxgreen2309]

My favourite boxer of all time legend 🥊

[@berry6046]

one of the best ever!!