Page "Thomas Hearns" Paragraph 6

Hearns moved up in weight and won the WBC Super Welterweight ( 154 lb ) title from boxing legend and three-time world champion Wilfred Benítez ( 44-1-1 ) in New Orleans in December 1982, and defended that title against European Champion Luigi Minchillo ( 42-1 ) ( W 12 ), Roberto Durán ( KO 2 ), no. 1 contender Fred Hutchings ( 29-1 ) ( KO 3 ) and # 1 contender Mark Medal ( 26-2 ) ( TKO 8 ).

During his reign at this weight, the 2 round destruction of the legendary Roberto Durán, in which he became the first boxer to KO Durán, is seen as his pinnacle achievement, earning him his second Ring Magazine " Fighter of the Year " award in 1984.