Greater fighter: Thomas Hearns or Wladimir Klitschko

Hearns is more entertaining but he never dominated the way Wlad did. I will say his divisions were a lot more competitive but Wlad dominated for a long time. Wlad is an atg and maybe a bit under appreciated because of his lack of competition. Time usually adds more to the legends than detracts. I’ll say Wlad but it’s honestly a toss up into what you value more. Nice post.

 

Never said he wasn't respected nor did I say he wasn't a dominant figure in the HW division. Im saying he's an extremely boring boxer who cared nothing about entertaining the fans. As someone who's half Ukrainian I wanted to be a fan. He gave me zero reason to be one.

 

Sure not denying that. I was more trying to say Wlad does have a significant fanbase despite the fact many found his style boring.

 

Hearns and its not even close. A top 40 p4p ATG vs Wlad who dosent even crack the top 100.. Cmon Flo , Hearns went up and down in weight for 12 years to fight everyone, no one else was doing that. Wlad and Vitali didnt fight each other and their overall comp. was crap against one of the best resumes ever in Thomas Hearns. Cmon man you can do better than that shitty comparison

 

Even my mind is blown that this is a thread.

 

Hearns
If Hearns had beaten Leonard in the second fight, that would have been the definitive answer. Referee decisions create resumes.

 

I don't agree.

The talent pool in the lower weightclasses is considerably higher than Heavyweight.

Yes Wladimir was more dominant and had more title wins.

But comparing their best wins Hearns has a big advantage in that regard.

I don't see how you think Wladimir is a greater fighter in all honesty.

Hearns would be I gather around the top 50 P4P of all time.

I doubt Wladimir would even be considered in the top 100 P4P of all time.

And that's not a dig at Wladimir it's just most notable Heavyweights wouldn't be considered in the top 100.

The notable Heavyweights off the top of my head who would be in the top 50 P4P would be Ali, Louis, Holyfield, Tunney, Usyk.

And 3 of them are only in the top 50 P4P based on their achievements and resumes in other weightclasses.

 

Interesting to see some of the similarities between these two, but there is one way in which they are completely dissimilar and that is that Hearns had balls.

 

Wlad fought everyone (except for his brother which is reasonable) at HW even taking on someone like AJ at 41. The guy has grande balls.

 

It's really not that big of a deal.

 

Normally when I do threads like these I have to find certain things that are similar between fighters while also trying to make it a bit more balanced out. Both Hearns and Wlad happened to have a lot of similarities that prompted me to make this thread although I had a feeling there was going to be an overwhelming vote for Hearns. I was actually more interested to see if people would actually make a case for Wlad, especially for a guy that's considered one of the best HWs in recent years. Hearns fought and beat the better fighters while Wlad had dominance and longevity. That's where it all comes down between the two.

 

Wlad's got double the amount of title fights won. He was also champion for a many more years than Hearns. Wlad was also able to avenge one of his losses.

Additionally, there are 6 people that have won 5 division titles. There is only 1 HW that is longest reigning of all-time. I'd choose the 2nd all day long.

 

It’s not a hill I’d die on. I get either or

 

There is and his name is Joe Louis.

 

I wouldn't.

Hearns had a much more memorable career, fought way better fighters, and his fights are some of the most memorable/recognisable fights in history that will stand the test of time.

There's not a single fight in Wladimir's career that I would consider memorable nor would I consider any of his fights worth rewatching.

Maybe the Joshua fight but that's about it.

Hearns was in one of the most popular eras of all time with many fellow great fighters that he could have legendary rivals with.

Wladimir was in one of the most forgettable boring Heavyweight eras of all time and had no real rival.

I'd choose Hearns career all day long.