hard to say. Tommy was getting a little worn out by 1989 and not the same fighter anymore. I would have to say Nunn by split decision, but Tommy was the greater fighter. Much greater. Hearns was a great, and Nunn was very good.
I think that Nunn was more dynamic at this point, but Hearns had the length, hand speed, and the right hand, to land on the southpaw Nunn.
it would be the experience and greatness of Hearns vs. the youth of Nunn in his best year.. Hard to know.. Hearns seemed to do well when he had a big challenge.
All wrong for Nunn. The worst stylistical match-up possible for him. Leaning back with hands low against Hearns's right down the pipe would do him absolutely no good at all.
And I really rate Nunn h2h. I think he could pose great fighters like Hagler, Hopkins, Leonard, McCallum etc all kinds of problems, but Hearns is just all wrong for him imo.
I'm wondering if anyone thinks that Nunn has the tools with his speed and height to take a decision from Hearns.
Controversial pick for sure, but I'd take Nunn by stoppage. He had more than enough pop to stop Tommy at 160, and a very underrated mean steak in him.
I'm a huge Hearns fan and I'm glad he didn't fight Nunn because he would have lost and gotten stopped. Nunn was faster,taller, and had more then enough power to bother Hearns who at middleweight was past his best.
I do. But that's Nunn at his best. Not the guy trying to be fan friendly and trying to please the networks by fighting like he was an assassin. I think a tall lanky southpaw fighting his safety first spoiler style is not a good match for Hearns. Nunn would have a big edge in footwork and mobility and would just pick and peck while retreating and circling. Tommy had a real nice left hook to the body, but it wasn't much upstairs. I think he needs that lefthook against this guy. Tommy's legs just aren't good enough at this weight to track down a mover like Nunn to land the right hand. I think this looks a lot like say Spinks--Qawi with zero risk taking and zero exchanges and just fighting a negative type fight to gain a decision. Not a fan's fight by any means & the boobirds would make their feelings known after about the 6th round.
Faster? Debatable. Taller? No, they were the same height. Enough power? Yes, but Hearns had more. If Nunn stuck to boxing I can see him edging a chess match. If he tried to engage with Hearns and stand with him, I think Hearns would knock him out. But I am leaning slightly towards an '88 Nunn against an '88 Hearns.