Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tommy 'The Hitman' Hearns Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

Members of the Boxing Writers Association, a panel of international boxing historians and members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame voted to elect retired boxer Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns into the Hall's modern fighter category.

Hearns, born in Memphis, Tennessee, began his professional boxing career in Detroit, Michigan, in 1977. Following 10 rounds in a 2006 bout against Shannon Landberg, Hearns added 61 wins to his illustrious career to finish out with 48 Knockouts, 5 Defeats (4 Knockouts) and 1 Draw.

The National Golden Gloves Light Welterweight Champion won six world titles in five weight classes between 1977 and 1991, defeating fellow boxers Virgil Hill, Roberto Duran, Pipino Cuevas, Wilfred Benítez and Sugar Ray Leonard

Today Hearns calls Southfield, Michigan home where his family dominates the Detroit sports scene. The 53-year-old's son, Ronald, followed in his footsteps and his mother, Lois Hearns, is a fight promoter. Their company, "Hearns Entertainment", has promoted several boxing matches including the 2000 bout between Mike Tyson and Andrew Golota.

The panel also voted former ESPN analyst Al Bernstein and New York Times and Daily News sports journalist Michael Katz into the Hall's observer category. Posthumous honorees include heavyweight contender Jake Kilrain in the old-timer category and James Wharton in the pioneer category, ESPN reported.

Inductee ceremonies will take place June 10, 2012 at the Canastota, New York Shrine.

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