Skip to main content
Boxing News
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Schedule
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Fight Schedule
  • Current Champions
  • Magazine

Follow us

  • YouTube YouTube
  • Instagram Instagram
  • Twitter / X Twitter
  • Facebook Facebook

© 2013—2026 Boxing News

Magazine

Thomas Hearns says one man stands alone as the greatest boxer of all time

Sheldan Keay

21st December, 2025

Thomas Hearns says one man stands alone as the greatest boxer of all time
Image credit: Getty

Thomas Hearns has revealed who he believes to the best to ever lace up a pair of gloves.

Hearns had a remarkable career in his own right, becoming the first boxer in history to win world titles in five divisions after claiming gold at welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight.

He was one of the legendary ‘Four Kings’ alongside fellow greats Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran, with the quartet competing in epic battles against one another throughout the 1980s.

Hearns retired in 2006, nearly 30 years after his professional debut, with his final record reading at 61 wins, 5 defeats and 1 draw.

Many fans would mention Hearns when discussing the greatest of all time, and ‘The Hitman’ has now named who he believes hold that honour.

Speaking to ESNews, it came as no surprise to hear who Hearns views as the best.

“Muhammad Ali.”

Heavyweight icon Ali is arguably the biggest name in the history of boxing, taking part in some of the most memorable fights that the sport has ever seen, including the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ against George Foreman and the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ against Joe Frazier.

Ali became world heavyweight champion on three occasions, but his accomplishments outside of the ring were just as impressive as inside of it, as he became a global cultural figure for his activism efforts.

After a long battle with Parkinson’s, Ali sadly passed away in 2016, but he once revealed that he thinks there was one man who ranked above him as the greatest of all time.

More stories

Pacquiao and Mayweather on mics

Manny Pacquiao reflects on his own legacy compared to Floyd Mayweather’s

22 Apr, 2026
Conor Benn and Shakur Stevenson

Regis Prograis sees only one winner in Conor Benn vs Shakur Stevenson at 147

21 Apr, 2026
Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder could land shock world title fight this year: “He’s on the list”

21 Apr, 2026
Canelo

Canelo called out to ‘give the fans the fight they deserve’ before retirement: “He’s scared”

21 Apr, 2026
Boxing News

Since 1909

Editorial

  • News
  • Live Coverage
  • BN Investigates
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Magazine

Boxing

  • Upcoming Fight Schedule
  • Current Boxing Champions

Company

  • About Boxing News
  • Contact us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy

Follow us

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Google News
Copyright 2013—2026 Boxing News