Both are my top two favorite fighters of all time, but Toney by KO/TKO. It would be similar to the Michael Nunn fight, where Tommy would dominate the early rounds with his jab and footwork but Toney with his granite chin would get to him in the later rounds and stop him.
Toney can take the heat and Hearns can't. Most likely Toney takes over the second half and finishes strong. For Hearns to win this he'll have to be extra slick and avoid exchanging. He needs to slow the pace down and turn it into a fight where Toney chases and he potshots and scoots. Otherwise he risks getting stopped late.
Interestingly enough, the two said they used to spar at the Kronk Gym, would have loved to see footage of that scrap This content is protected
Great match between two great champions. The Motor City Cobra's reach, jab, speed and combinations from different angles would have presented several difficulties for Toney. But James' granite chin, defense and counter punching would have prevailed of Tommy's class and not irresistible jaw, perhaps when Light Out was behind in the judges' scorecards (as happened against Nunn). I say Toney by tko in the last rounds.
If James brings his A Game he wins, even against Tommy's A Game. Too versatile, too tough durable, made adjustments too well.
As long as you could move, and were willing to, you could beat Toney without having to exchange. IDK if Tommy could avoid getting into them. Toney my pick.