Thomas Hearns (Shuler fight) vs Michael Nunn (Tate fight)

I remember back in 1989 when Nunn KO’d Sumbu Kalambay with one shot. The entire boxing world instantly became terrified of him. Hearns stated at that time that he wanted no part of Nunn…. BUT, aside from that one performance, Nunn never again struck me as the type of fighter that I would favor over Tommy Hearns. While that one knockout was picture perfect and devastating, it only happened once. And I think Kalambay provided some of the momentum for that KO by walking in as nunn was launching the left hook. Nunn generally didn’t display the type of power or style that would make me fear for Hearns. Both were tall. Both good boxers. Hearns did better against higher caliber fighters and had power that carried well as he rose in weight.

I went with Thomas Hearns via decision.

 

It made far more sense for Hearns to pursue Leonard both from a legacy and money standpoint. The risk was also lower at THAT point if people are honest.

 

I don't think anyone at middle is beating Nunn on the night he beat Tate. Incredible performance

 

It's sad that the 1 punch loss diminishes Kalambays reputation so much . Nunn was on a hot streak and became the hottest fighter in the world in March 1989.
It didn't last long. He fell out with Bob Surkein and the East Coast Boxing Media cabal turned on him.The closeish decision over Barkley was written up as a huge let down as were his genuine struggles with Starling and Curry.
After the Barkley loss and Kinchen split decision Emannuel Steward started talking Thomas Hearns down.Saying things like he didn't want Tommy to get hurt by younger guy and he wouldn't allow Tommy to spar younger guys like Michael Moorer. I found it OTT at the time as shown by Tommy's resilience and subsequent de facto victory over SRL. Steward was taking 40% of Hearns purses by this time and a combination.

The Hearns of the Shuler fight had none of the mileage of the 12 rounds with Dewitt,the Andries and Roldan wars and the collapse and near collapse against Barkley and Kinchen that left Tommy looking like an accident waiting to happen.

Hearns in the summer of 1986 was still a prime middleweight and I think he outboxes and than knocks out Nunn in 9.

 

Hearns catches him at some point

 

Hearns still had enough to get him at that point.

McCallum would have been an ideal fight for Nunn, i think he would have outslicked him comfortably.

 

I am a huge Hearns fan but Michael stops him inside 10.

 

Nunn by SD. One thing people tend to forget is that Nunn had an excellent chin. Only stopped once in a 60 fights career spanning over 3 weight divisions.

 

50/50, just because Hearns has a suspect chin