Tommy Hearns Vs Felix Trinidad at 147 Ibs and 154lbs ? I definitely like Hearns at the lower weight but I will say this, Felix grew into a very strong junior Middleweight , whilst Tommy s physical advantages weren't quite as overwhelming there. Thoughts on both potentially cracking fights?
I like Hearns at both weights. Tito was outboxed by Oscar at 147 and had to resort to low blows against Vargas to save himself. Hearns had more power than both and was a great technician in the ring. Trinidad has a punchers chance, but my money would be on Tommy.
Trinidad is a personal favourite, but Hearns would be a tough matchup for him at both weights. Tito would be giving away range and hand speed, and Hearns could jab as well as anybody. Single shot power advantage goes to Tommy as well. They were probably both at their absolute peaks at 154, where they're two of the top 4 or 5 in history for me. It's almost impossible to think Trinidad wouldn't be well down after 6 rounds. Could he bring his dynamite left hook and superior stamina into play in the second half? Would Hearns allow Tito to even survive to that point if he landed the shots Vargas and Reid both did? Two genuine greats, but I'd go for Hearns winning a pretty clear decision, maybe dropping Felix once or twice along the way. Trinidad would be there at the end though.
Probably Hearns. Tito is obviously a live underdog due to his power and Hearns’s chin, but I think Tommy would get to him too often down the middle with that right hand.
Thomas Hearns early at welterweight. Tito had that issue with being knocked down early and Hearns was the fastest starter in boxing at one stage. He'd have Tito down 4 times in the first 2 rounds and the ref would have to call it because of the knock down, even if he wasn't knocked out. Then at 154 it's tighter, I still imagine Hearns out jabbing him up until stopping him in the mid rounds.
Actually imo Tommy was at his absolute peak at junior middleweight. He looked the best physically where he was still deadly powerful, fast on the feet, stamina wasn't an issue for 15 rounds, and he arguably looked the most sturdy in the chin department. It also helps that at that point in his career he looked to have learned how to tie his opponents up whenever they got close as shown in the Benitez fight. The only guy imo that I would give a chance against this version of Tommy was the great bodysnatcher himself. Those two imo are the all time number one and number two at 154.
Tito was on the floor and struggled against fringe contenders. I was prepared to lay some underdog money on Jesse James Hughes if the Trinidad title fight ever came off. I'd take Hearns all day and every day no matter the weight. I understand Tito was tough and could hit, so it wouldn't be an easy fight, but I'd still take Hearns.
I agree Hearns should beat Trinidad. I would guess that Tommy would come out aggressive and try to back Tito up. If he is able to back him up that spell doom for Trinidad. It's a dangerous fight for Hearns as well so Manny would stress they need to end it soon as possible. If Hearns let the fight go rounds there is that possibility he falls asleep defensively. Hearns at 6-2 had elite handspeed to go with everything else. Its a nightmare matchup for almost anyone.
Yes - I agree, but if I can impersonate Det. Columbo, Robbi did a lot of great work between 147 - 154 lbs on the scale. I would always put money on Robbi getting to Tommy's body and drawing him onto a fight ending salvo 6 or 7 times out of 10. Tommy and Evan Fields suffer from the same "too much machismo" at times for me.
I’ve always thought Hearns would be too quick for Tito. It’s not a great style match for Trinidad, and the chances are that Hearns lands that big right hand early. Trinidad’s chin was curious in that he was often dropped, but his only stoppage loss was an accumulation style beat down. I suppose there’s a scenario where Hearns drops Trinidad but can’t finish him, and then Tito comes on strong. If he’s still there and able to start landing his own serious offense, he could stop Hearns. It just doesn’t seem the most likely outcome.
Agreed. For some reason when most talk 154, 130, 140 etc they always exclude the myriads of other fighters that weighed in that category vs fighters that fought there after the divisions conception. Guys like Gavilan, Burley, Griffith, Rodriguez, Walker etc etc etc all fought thru there and wouold have been hell to beat.