Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, also known as the Motor City Cobra, stands in history as an icon in the sport of boxing. He was involved in some of the most fantastic fights, sharing the ring as one of the ‘4 Kings’ alongside Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Hearns took part on over 160 amateur fights, winning a national Golden Gloves title. In a professional boxing career spanning almost 30 years, he accumulated a record of 67 fights with 61 wins and 48 knockouts. To me is is the finest long range fighter in history. In this video I talk you through my 5 fearsome factors of the Motor City Cobra.
I would love to get your thoughts on the Hearns style, please do leave a comment below👍
Cheers
Fran
by 
Thanks for doing this one Fran, apologies if I was being a bit of a pest asking for it! I’m sure I wasn’t the only one though.
He’s an idol for me!
Quick question, I have a long gangly frame and above average reach. Is there any fighters you suggest watching who could still have a tear up inside? I know the short punches are slower with the bigger arc, is there a way to overcome this? I just want to be more “complete”.
Thanks again for the stellar work,
Jim
No worries Jim, really enjoyed it to be honest – he was definitely a one-off. It’s a really good question. I think Alexis Arguello is worth a watch, quite tall for his weight and deadly at all ranges. Thanks for watching Jim.
Fran,
thank you for the great review of Thomas Hearns. Perfect on all phases you touched on..Loved that you mentioned his body shots (and uppercuts), he could whip them so incredibly fast and damaging from mid to long range that the opening for an opponent to counter just wasnt there. And of course as you said the right hand totally devastating…thanks again..
Mickey
Really nice to hear from you. Hope all is well with you and the gym 👍
You’re 100% right. Him getting those body shots of speaks to his speed and awareness of range. Serious, serious fighter – wonderful.
Thanks Mickey
10/24 2022
Fran,
Once again, your exampled selection of Thomas Hearns Vs Marvin Hagler boxing training is world class as usual.
Watching that fight highlights and validates everything you discuss in your video.
A real Tour de Force lesson in outside fighting style. Thomas Hearns is like a Gazelle with punches that hit like a freight train. (How to hit with power using both position and body, the key to power punching.
Thank You
Best Regards
Jim Dantis
Thank you so much Jim. I think he was such a unique and distinctive fighter, as you say sleek and slender but able to generate incredible power. Thanks Jim, appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
10/24 2022
Fran,
Once again, your exampled selection of Thomas Hearns Vs Marvin Hagler boxing training is world class as usual. Watching that fight highlights and validates everything you discuss in this video.
A real Tour de Force lesson in outside fighting style. Thomas Hearns is like a Gazelle with punches that hit like a freight train. (How to hit with power using both position and body, the key to power punching.
Thank You
Best Regards
Jim Dantis
..just to add, I had a look at the Hearns vs Pryor fight. That yellow and red Kronk kit is awsome!
Richard
Class👍
Thanks Fran, Hearns was my favourite fighter growing up. I was a 6’ 1’ lanky lad and related to him I think. Now I’m in my fifties and can’t seem to get down to cruiser weight, I’m amazed that someone the same height can perform at welterweight!
Richard
Yes, he was freakishly tall for a welter – 10 stone 6lbs, ridiculous really. Wonderful fighter Richard, you had very good taste👍
Fran, you have great taste in fighters! Hearns, like Hagler, proved so versatile and dangerous.
Last fighter you analysed the lead hand I thought of Hearns, and also Kostya came to mind. Any chance you’d do a video on him? Like Hearns, he had a hypnotic and varied lead hand and a powerful right.
Thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed it. Kostya is now on the list…thanks for the suggestion
Thomas Hearns is one a my favorite boxers.His right hand was soo fast like a cobra with very bad intentions. A real pro. I will check out some of his amateur fights & revisit the Hagler ,Duran, & Sugar Ray fights. He,s one of the best fighters of this generation.Thanks coach for the video you really nailed it.
Glad you liked it Mike. I loved the guy. Some people had said that Hearns was the only fighter Duran was genuinely intimidated by. Probably knew the Hearns style and size were too much. Thanks Mike.
Awesome. Thomas Hears was a hard guy. His punches was fearsome
Yes he was Carlos, wonderfully destructive! Thank you