No one can lift up former President Trump at his rally. But as far as Detroit is concerned, the three-time Republican nominee welcomed a much-loved supporting character to the stage.
At a rally Thursday at Detroit's Huntington Place, President Trump spotted boxing legend and Detroit native Thomas “Hitman” Hears in the crowd, receiving thunderous applause from local fans. pulled up to the stage.
“I bet on this guy and won a lot of money. … Some of the greatest battles in history,” President Trump said. “One of the greatest games of all time, and most importantly, he was a special person.”
Hearns was moved by the unexpected invitation to the stage.
“When I hear nice words from you, hey, this can't be real. …I'm so excited to hear that from you. Now I want to fight.”
Hearns' era of dominance in boxing spanned the generation from 1977 to 2006. During that time, he became the first boxer to win championships in five different weight classes. He ultimately won belts in six weight classes, a feat rivaled by four other Hall of Fame fighters.
Most boxing experts consider the first round of Hearns' 1985 bout with “The Marvelous” Marvin Hagler to be the best round in boxing history. The Kronk Jim product was also known for his legendary battles with Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.
