This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/15/2010.
In a remarkable feat of versatility, eight-time World Champion boxer Thomas Hearns won title bouts in six different weight categories throughout his lengthy professional career. This very rare size 8-1/2 ring weighs 32 grams (1.1 ounces) of solid 10K gold, and celebrates the first five of those championships, each in a different weight class. The top of the ring has a radiant, ruby red oval stone, and a round diamond cz set inside of it. Cast on the top and bottom of the ruby are the words “WORLD CHAMPION”. On the left side panel of the ring is a casting of Hearns with his gloves up, above which it says “THOMAS HEARNS”. Around the body of the boxer are the engravings “5 Times” and “World Champion”. On the detailed right side panel of the ring are engravings of the five weight classes that Hearns fought in and the weights at which he won each individual title. They read as follows: “147 WELTERWEIGHT”, “MIDDLEWEIGHT 160”, “SUPERMIDDLEWEIGHT 168”, “154 JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT”, and “LT. HEAVYWEIGHT 173”. Inside these five engravings is a casting of a world map, and the three boxing associations that oversaw his titles: “WBA”, “WBC” (shown twice), and “WBO”. The ring was given by the “Motor City Cobra” as a thank you gift to his longtime trainer and boxing Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward, whose name, “EMANUEL STEWARD”, is engraved on the inside top portion of the ring. The ring shows very light wear and is in overall EX condition. Comes in a black velour box.