Both were big punchers and excited fans in the same era, Tommy a little earlier obviously. Who had greater fights and who was the greater fighter? Sometimes I think I am partial toward Tommy because he engaged more when he had to to make great fights. Mike was dominant, yet when he had great challenges he could fold.
Hearns, and in my opinion not debatable. Hearns destroyed two ATG'S , adopted his style to beat another in Benitez after he hurt his right hand. Damn near beat the 2nd best welterweight in history, again demonstrated his ability to change tactics in the heat of combat. in one of the best fights in welter history. Went to Lt.heavy and beat a natural Lt. Heavy who had 10 succesful title defenses. Hearns overshadows Tyson by a mile.
I think for a relatively brief period Tyson may well have been every bit as good a fighter, relative to their respective natural sizes, as Hearns was at his best. Hearns had the greater career, imo.
Hearns nicks it for me because he has wins over other prime atg's and was involved in some of the best fights of all time. Tyson did have the better chin though so he was less vulnerable.
I believe their records were exactly the same through 46 or 47 fights. Of course, Hearns never lost to a Buster Douglas in his prime. And nobody ever outboxed Hearns. Tyson cannot claim the same on either front. Hearns is the greater fighter and the better fighter, P4P.
They both had excellent careers but I have to rate Hearns higher on a p4p basis. What that man achieved was nothing shy of incredible
they were both for lack of a better term freaks of nature, unique builds, great technique, great power, very fun to watch, but Hearns by far has the better resume, Tyson was arguably more dominant, but Hearns was more of a warrior and his career for sure put him through more of a meat grinder, those effects can be seen today unfortunately
This always fascinated me because of the fact Hearns has so many iconic fights like Hagler and Leonard, or the Duran and Cuevas knockouts... and Benitez and Hill outboxings. Different careers and yet one has to say Hearns came though more when he was in a big fight. Mike would fold. Yet Mike could demolish guys.
