Hearns vs Hopkins

[Confucius]

Originally Posted by Bokaj

P4p or you actually think he'd beat Hopkins at MW even as a WW?

P4P there's no debate. And yes, I think the 154-pound version of Leonard can beat Hopkins at 160.

[The_Rock]

Hearns by close decision or hopkins batters him

[Bokaj]

Originally Posted by Confucius

P4P there's no debate. And yes, I think the 154-pound version of Leonard can beat Hopkins at 160.

He could, but that doesn't mean he would. My money would without a doubt be on Hopkins.

Anyhow, the 1989 version of Leonard was far removed from the prime version.

[Confucius]

Originally Posted by Bokaj

He could, but that doesn't mean he would. My money would without a doubt be on Hopkins.

Anyhow, the 1989 version of Leonard was far removed from the prime version.

Ok, let me re-phrase. I'd pick the 154 pound version of Ray to beat B-Hop.

[redrooster]

Originally Posted by Confucius

I think Hopkins could have actually beaten Jones if he fought a busier, more aggressive fight (think Mayweather v. Castillo I). But it seems like he's too deliberate a guy to fight that style and turn it into a Hagler v. Hearns type of a match. Is there an example of a prime Hopkins that really went after an elite fighter from the bell onward? I can't think of any. For instance, it was obvious after the first Taylor fight that the way to beat him is to be more aggressive; but Hopkins refused to do that. Sure he was old(er) at that time, but I think he's too set in his ways.

You mean the fight where Roy won 9 rounds to 3 with a broken hand against Bernard's two good hands?

[Bokaj]

I just can't see which perfomances make people pick Hearns here. Getting the better of a slugfest with the bull strong but limited Roldan, who hurt him? Deserving the decision when going life and death with a past it Leonard? Those should be Hearns best perfomances at MW, but they surely aren't enough for me to pick him over a prime Hopkins.

[slicksouthpaw16]

I can see something similar to this happening late in the fight.


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B3kLNrF2tg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B3kLNrF2tg[/ame]

[slicksouthpaw16]

Originally Posted by Confucius

I'd slightly favor Hearns. Hopkins does not have the two tools that troubled Hearns most--a big punch to capitalize on Hearns' weak chin and an aggressive, pressure style to exploit Hearns' frequent lack of conditioning. Most likely, I see a cautious fencing match, a bit like Jones v. Hopkins I. There Hearns is faster and a bit "longer." I would also not rule out a Hearns knockout, since Hopkins' chin, while good, is not at the level of Hagler's granite beard.

A prime Hopkins was a very good puncher. This is one of the most brutal KO's ever.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScRv9xzLeW8"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScRv9xzLeW8[/ame]

[gilad]

hopkins by late stoppage

[McGrain]

Hopkins.

[Jorodz]

do we have a frame of reference for either fighter? that is did hearns fight anyone close to resembling hopkins and vice versa?

[Bill Butcher]

Hearns jab & right hand keep B-Hop at bay to keep the fight at a distance where Tommy outboxes him from the outside for the majority of the fight, there will be some untidy moments as Hopkins gets inside but Hearns is tough enough to survive these moments & get back to outboxing Hopkins from distance.

Hearns W12 Hopkins

[werety]

Hearns' speed and dimensions see him to a UD.