Sugar Ray Leonard v Thomas Hearns 1984

Wasn't me shitting myself (Suuuuuure he did) in front of millions of people

 

Leonard was a great tactician and strategist, but he knew that he was outgunned by Hearns and somehow managed to gut out that win in '81. That stamped him as great in my opinion.

However, Hearns at 154, 1984, is a fully-developed beastie. Ray should not be favored. I'd go with Hearns possibly by TKO.

 

I somewhat agree, Stonehands. Not too sure if Leonard stops him though. If you're soley looking at Leonard being floored by Howard in 1984, then yes. But things don't quite work out like that, as you know only too well.

Leonard was one of the best tacticians and strategists the sport has ever seen. He played the percentage game like a demon. He seemed to know when to defend and when to attack at the right time during fights. He picked his moments, so to speak. After the Duran defeat, he became far smarter. Hearns was always going to be a handful considering his jab, speed and reach. He had to take that zipping jab in his face for a few rounds, then he got inside during the 6th and had success.

 

Keep in mind I qualified it as a "possibility". Hearns was devastating at his best. Leonard never faced him at his best -he faced him safely 'around' that time. I doubt that was an accident.

 

On a sidenote: OH ****in hell, you again, bleat bleat ****in bleat, aint it about time you changed yer TAMPAX, yer bleeding all over the floor as per usual & if at any time you decide too get yer thumb outer yer bum & yer brains outer neutral you'll read some earlier posts by one of you SugarBarbieDolls that as per usual always brings up the subject of Duran, NOT ME ****HEAD:nono i've been yappin about Leanard/Hearns then along came one of you in deniel Rent Boys who just can't handle the truth & don't have the balls too answer searching questions put by Rubber Warrior, am i suprised, er, NAH, flock of ****in wank-bag sheep the lot ov yer:smoke

 

What Ray did with Hearns was great. Ray the boxer managed to convince Hearns the KO artist to box while he went hunting late for Tommy.

That said, that was one great moment. I'm suspicious of ALL the missed moments against a prime Hagler, a prime Hearns, Curry, Starling, etc., etc.

People LOVE to point out how RJJ avoided Benn, Collins, Eubank and Michalczewski...what about Leonard with the aformentioned....or do excuses count when somebody is an "accepted hero"?

 

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When youre suspicious about Leonard not fighting Curry or Starling then you really ARE suspicious!!

 

i agree

 

Nah, Leonard has gotten his share of punishment for his politics out here. I myself have called him the "Bill Clinton of Boxing" for his savvy machinations and shallow charm. Benitez, Duran I, Hearns I and II for that matter ...these solidified him. Hagler? Eh. I put an asterisk beside that and Duran II*. That being said, Jones wasn't even close to Leonard in terms of his willingness to accept a challenge. Although, he seems to be far more willing now, though less able.

 

Thomas could win a strong decision, but in a 15 round matchup, Ray is always going to be there at the end, strong.Consider the fact that, if Ray kept fighting , this matchup would be in Ray's favor, and could end much sooner.

 

Hearns will always be the more dangerous puncher,which could end quickly

 

LOL



I think it would be a lot like 1981. Just not sure it Leonard would finish him this time.

It would have been one hell of a fight. I'd pick Hearns.

 

in 1984 if Hearns started off jabbing and working Leonard up and down to the body and head to set up the right I think he stops Ray in the mid to late rounds. Ray wouldn't have fought this Hearns the same way Mayweather did not fight the 2009 Manny. But like Hearns got older by 1989 when Ray fought the rematch with Tommy, Mayweather will probably fight Manny in 2013 because Manny is getting older.