Don't forget, the 5' 6" Armstrong moved up from 126, skipped over 135 (the 140 lb class wasn't taken totally seriously back then) and beat Barney Ross for the 147 lb title. Then , Hammerin Hank moved back down to 135 to win that title from Lou Ambers. Hearns, at 6' 2" was never less than 147 and had the stength and power to compete succesfully up to 175. Armstrong met his 147 pound Waterloo against Fritzie Zivic, a big , strong, hard hitting natural Welterweight. But Fritzie wasn't as big, strong or powerful as Hearns. So all the trouble Armstrong had against Zivic, would be even worse against Hearns. No way would Henry fade gently into the night, but after a bit of a struggle early Hearns would start to take over in the middle rounds and stop Armstrong around the 10th.
I am partial to Hearns. I think Hearns is a little too big for Armstrong. I see this as an early knockout for Hearns.
Not an easy fight for Hearns who had the height and reach advantage....Remember SSR could not stop an older Hank....If the fight goes into late rounds, Hearns could get a little fatiqued...Hank was non-stop.....depends on WILL and who imposes it Better
This fight doesnt go the distance. Id say that if Hearns doesnt KO Armstrong by the 8th, Armstrong wins by stoppage. But with Hearns size, strength, speed and power he should be able to KO Armstrong who is always coming forward
Benitez went the distance with Hearns and had him on the canvas once. Leonard beat him silly and Hagler took him to task, both with KO's. I just don't see Hearns beating Armstrong.
...Leonard and Hagler both being bigger and stronger men than Armstrong, and both all-timers on their own. Leonard is one of top two greatest Welterweights in history, and Hagler among the top five or six Middleweights of all time. Those hardly count against Hearns in this match-up.
Its and interesting match up stylistically, personally i think Armstrong KO's hearns late, but an early blowout by tommy isn't out of the realms of possibility either
Armstrong would be too small and limited to ever beat Hearns. Armstrong has to come forward to win. Whirlwing punches won't beat Hearns. Terrible style matchup for Henry.