Tommy “the Hitman” Hearns Under Guardianship of His Son

Boxing legend Tommy “the Hitman” Hearns, aged 67, is now officially under the guardianship and conservatorship of his oldest son, Ronald. This marks the conclusion of a personal struggle that has been tumultuous even for a former world champion.

A Michigan judge made the ruling on Wednesday, as reported by ABC affiliate WXYZ 7 News. Hearns informed the outlet, “I want the world to know that I’m doing fine.” He further expressed his desire for everything to be “calm and good, and just move smoothly.”

Despite earning over $40 million throughout his boxing career from the late 1970s until 1999, Hearns has faced significant personal and financial difficulties since retiring. In 2010, he was compelled to auction valuable personal items, including memorabilia and a 1957 Chevy, to settle a tax debt of $448,000.

The guardianship dispute intensified earlier this year when it was reported that Hearns’ daughter and sister were aware of his whereabouts but chose not to disclose this information to the judge or other relatives. Hearns has also been diagnosed with dementia, and his home faced foreclosure, which led him to reside with Ronald.

Ronald stated that his “main goal” is to ensure his father enjoys his life, protecting him from any financial, physical, or mental harm.

This case underscores the crucial role of a conservator, and suggests that there may be alternatives that are less costly with adequate estate planning. In various states, the terms “conservator” and “guardian” can overlap, but they represent distinct roles in Hearns’ situation. Ronald is responsible for his father’s personal care, while the conservatorship pertains to managing Hearns’ finances.

“By definition, we are removing the rights of one adult and assigning them to another,” explained California attorney Christopher Melcher regarding conservatorships. “The court must be convinced that the conservatee is incapable of caring for themselves, necessitating this severe measure.”