Leonard .Vs. Hearns I. 12 Rds.

If Leonard-Hearns I had been a 12 round fight. & Hearns had won, how differently would thier career path's have been?

 

an immediate rematch over 15 with a leonard win then the same as what happened

 

That's kinda the impression I got. But why if Duran beat Leonard, there was an immediate rematch. And Leonard defeats Hearns, there is no immediate rematch?

 

because Leonard didnt want a rematch after beating Hearns as Hearns was dangerous and would improve, Duran would go up in wiehgt and not be in shape

 

Because Hearns went up in weight and stayed there?

 

If there were no immediate rematch, it could be highly possible that the reverse could have happened. Hearns could have stayed at Welterweight a bit more. & Leonard moved up in weight to perhaps get a rematch with Benitez at 154.

 

With a win over Leonard, Hearns most likely moves into the Top 15 all time IMO.

 

Im not trying to kill the thread, but it does annoy me a bit when people talk about this scenario. The greater fighter ultimately prevailed. Although i cannot back this up, i do wonder that Leonard would have done the same if the bout were a 12 round one, eager to win it behind on points, maybe stopping it in the 12th.

You never know.

 

Exactly, if it was a 12 round fight Leonard most likely puts his foot on pedal EARLIER and gets Hearns out of there anyway.

 

Maybe, it's worth considering isn't it?

 

I agree, he seemed much more mature in terms of his knowledge of boxing at 154. He is possily the best ever there imo, more composed and not letting rip too many punches unless he thinks it's right.

I've said he's overrated plenty of times on this board, and since the other thread about him at 147, i've re-arranged my thoughts on his being overrated.

Here's the new and improved version-

Exclusively at the highest level at welterweight, Tommy Hearns is very likely the most overrated boxer on ESB Classic

 

Easier said than done, don't cha think? Hearns would also have altered his gameplan accordingly.

 

Unfortunately, the point you just made also renders your entire thread useless.

 

Well would the win have been as great though? Had Leonard not beaten Hearns he would not have been seen as great as he was after beating Hearns. The fact he beat Hearns after beating Benitez and Duran is why he was seen so highly.