Thomas Hearns names the best champion he has faced after 19 world title fights

Many will be surprised to discover that Thomas Hearns, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his era, did not name Sugar Ray Leonard Or Marvin Hagler as the best overall opponent he has ever faced.

“The Hitman” first clashed with the former in 1981, back when Leonard was emerging from their thrilling welterweight encounter with a 14th round stoppage victory..

The two men then faced off once more in 1989, this time at 164 pounds, with many believing Hearns was unlucky to come away with a draw.

However, based on their two iconic clashes, Hearns nevertheless credited Leonard as having the greater skill, power, hand speed, boxing IQ and jab than any of his other opponents.

As for Hagler, their scintillating three-round middleweight war, which took place in 1985, was ultimately enough for Hearns to deem him to have the biggest chin and greatest strength of any fighter he faced.

But despite the defeat against Leonard and Haglerthe American named Wilfred Benitez, a man he beat in 1982, as his best opponent overall.

The two men faced each other in a super-welterweight encounter where Benitez, who had just beaten Roberto Duran, defended his WBC world title for the third time.

For this particular assignment, Hearns was forced to take a much more measured approach – against a skilled technician – than he had shown in previous fights, which ultimately saw him take a majority decision.

Talk with Ring MagazineHearns praised his former opponent’s nifty movement and overall skills, stating that he had been slightly better than Leonard and Hagler.

“I would say Wilfred Benitez was very good. He was skilled and very crafty. I like Benitez’s talent. He moved well and fought all around the ring.”