Hopkins does the equivalent of 3 yards and a cloud of dust. Making it ugly, very physical with Hearns. Make Tommy use alot of energy and Bernard would keep that chin tucked. Hopkins defense, ring IQ has me leaning his way. Over the course of 15 rounds I think Hopkins would be stronger. Bernard also has good power at 160. His offense was strong at least before he got really old.
Hopkins decision ,his defence prowess and ring savy are hard to overcome. Tommy's winning his share till Hopkins ring generalship gets him collecting the rounds. Tommy tires by the championship round s and Bernard storm's to victory.
I think Bhop's toughness and smarts carry him to a late ko victory. He had some fine power at 160 as well. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe he is the only guy to stop Glen Johnson.
Tommy's only hope is to win by KO cause it's Kinda hard seeing Tommy go 15 hard rounds at 160 pounds with a solid chinned middleweight like Hopkins. Ain't happening , Hopkins by late KO
It’s not remotely out of the question that Hearns wins this, depending on which version of each we’re talking about. I’d actually pick the Hearns of 1986 and 1987 over the Hopkins of 1994 or 1995. Hearns had the boxing skills and the firepower and Hopkins wasn’t quite as canny then as he would become later. But B-Hop got better at 160 as he hit his early-to-mid thirties so it’s hard not to lean towards him grinding out a decision win or even a later rounds stoppage over Hearns then, especially the 1988 version of Tommy.
Hopkins was not particularly powerful or aggressive. Personally he really wasn't that special at all TBH. And I don't consider him an ATG skill wise though longevity certainly. ( Or was his longevity from the type of competition he faced as he aged?) Hopkins didn't win a round against the best opponent he faced at Middleweight Jones Jr. Prime vs prime. He'd win a few rounds against Hearns, probably in the late rounds . But the irony is everyone is assuming Hopkins would do better in the later rds, when he never had to fight 15rds. What are they basing that on? At the least we have proof of Hearns out boxing Benitez over the 15rd distance, and he was beating prime Ray Leonard until the 14th at welterweight... I see it like this. Hearns would come out aggressive as he usually did, and IF he doesn't stop Hopkins, he'd make him reluctant and cruise to a UD. Hopkins isn't on Hearns level at any weight.
I think Hearns is a tough style for Hopkins. I think his speed and athleticism along with his long jab would prove difficult to overcome for Hopkins who isn't a big enough puncher to just walk through him. He was still a smart and tough fighter though, and wouldn't make it easy. He would make it rough, but would be taking big rights from Hearns for his aggression. Hearns gets a close decision imo.
Hopkins too strong and durable for Tommy at 160. 160 wasnt Hearns' weight as his legs werent there as he was up and down in weight too much. He clearly struggled against the more durable fighters at 160. Hearns would gas over 15 as Bhop would rough him up on the inside. At 175 would be a different story as Hearns really loved that weight and after settling in there , he was better imo.
I honestly think Hopkins would stop Hearns. Hearns wasn’t a great middleweight. Great welterweight and junior middleweight but definitely not a great middleweight.