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Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas “Hitman” Hearns joins Trump on stage at Detroit rally: “This can’t be true”

Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas “Hitman” Hearns joins Trump on stage at Detroit rally: “This can’t be true”

Former President Trump held a rally in the Detroit area and invited a local legend to the stage.

The three-time Republican presidential candidate was at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit and took a photo with Detroit boxing legend Thomas “Hitman” Hearns before taking the stage.

Then Trump spotted Hearns in the audience and invited him on stage.

“I won so much money betting on this guy. … Some of the greatest battles in history,” Trump said.

“One of the greatest fights of all time, and man, I tell you what, it was special.”

Hearns eventually joined Trump on stage and appeared in disbelief.

Former President Donald Trump invited Thomas Hearns to the stage during a 2024 campaign rally in Detroit. AP
Trump held a rally in downtown Detroit on Friday evening. Getty Images

“When I hear those nice words from you, man, it can’t be real. …When I hear it from you, I feel very excited. I want to fight now.”

Hearns boxed professionally from 1977 to 2006 and was the first boxer to become world champion in five different weight classes. He made it in six disciplines: welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He has since been joined by Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Hearns made history with Leonard in 1981. Their combined budget of $17 million was the largest in the sport's history at the time. It was his first loss after starting 0-32, and the fight lasted 14 rounds. Eight years later, the two had a rematch that ended in a draw.

Hearns was the first boxer to become world champion in five different weight classes. AP
“I won so much money betting on this guy,” Trump said of Hearns. Getty Images

Hearns' last title victory came on April 10, 1999, when he defeated Nate Miller for the vacant IBO cruiserweight title. He lost it almost exactly a year later to Uriah Grant in his hometown.

His last fight was a victory, his 61st, on February 4, 2006 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He retired with only five losses and one draw in his 67 fights.

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