In those years, Hearns went 9-0, but he didn't fight for a title or against a big name opponent.

Obviouly he was past-prime, but considering that Duran got a title shot vs Joppy at the age of 74, I'd imagine that Hearns could've done the same.

Was it his choice to not try and fight for a belt, or was he unable to get a shot?

He was still calling out title holders at age 40.

Here's a rare double knockdown and interview:

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I'm not sure why he never really got a shot. Not that he really did anything to get one but you would think that a lesser known champion (and there were many of them at CW) would've wanted to fight a name like Hearns.

In those years, Hearns went 9-0, but he didn't fight for a title or against a big name opponent.

Obviouly he was past-prime, but considering that Duran got a title shot vs Joppy at the age of 74, I'd imagine that Hearns could've done the same.

Was it his choice to not try and fight for a belt, or was he unable to get a shot?

Roy Jones was willing to give him a shot but HBO rejected the fight. Manny Steward always thought Hearns could beat him. Tommy is my second favorite fighter of all time, but he would have been ko'd by Jones anytime after 1991

What a great fighter!