Prime WW Thomas Hearns vs Roberto Duran that beat Ray Leonard

Duran at 147 was stronger and quicker than Hearns, Roberto's quickness is what gave Leonard trouble. Geez! Ray was stalking Tommy for more than half the fight before he stopped him. I don't see Hearns going past the tenth, he was a lot weaker at 147.

 

Hearns stoppage.

 

I think Duran chose the wrong strategy as well. However, I also don't think that was the same Duran who whupped Leonard.

 

What's Duran going to do sit back and jab with a guy half a foot taller with a full foot extra reach? A guy with a jab that competes for best jab in history and speed to burn? A guy who was carving him up at long range. A guy who thrived on people sitting back. Duran was on a hiding to nothing that night.

 

Duran would be on the attack the way he was during his prime. Roberto would have to slip and get inside. He had much more experience than Hearns. I would expect Duran to fient Tommy out of position and use his superior strength once inside. He would maul Hearns inside.
Hearns even with his height and reach had a leaky defense and wasn't as durable as either Ray or Roberto. Tommy melted from marginal punishment from Leonard in '81. Granted it was hot that nite. Duran would hurt Hearns and I don't think Hearns would cope with it well.
With the physical part being evened up quite a bit its more a battle of wills.

 

He was a different fighter in 1984 at Jr. Middleweight. A counterpuncher who thrived when guys stood in front of him. Duran lost much of his speed and didn't have the energy and non stop motion. In his 20s Duran had been a little Tazmanian Devil, always on top of his opponent and always creating openings.
In 1984 he didn't create openings the same way he once could. That style played right into Tommy Hearns strength.

 

I was responding to comments Duran fought the wrong fight against Hearns.

I'd still take Hearns over the best of Duran at 147. Too much size speed and power for mine.

 

This is pretty much the way I see it.

 

I don't think it would play out terribly differently than their tilt at 154. Duran might last a bit longer and be more competitive, but I still see it ending in a Hearns KO. Everybody has their kryptonite.