This has, for me, a Toney Vs Nunn feel about it, Tommy comes out quick like he often did, trying to make an impression, Toney content to make him miss and look relaxed doing it...Toney may be behind on points but is sending Tommy the message...he is likening it to a walk in the park...just after the halfway stage both their mentality's shift expectation, Hearns now is happy to acheive a points victory...James's stroll in the the park is upgrading to a Jog in the woods.. on the scorecards Tommy has a clear toe-hold in the foothills of victory....but a landslide is starting...the pebbles are turning into educated bolders.... I fancy James to sweep Tommy into the crevice of defeat circa 9th... Tommy had his "Bambi on the ice" moments with Olajide...Kitchen...and Barclay of course...James Toney..at middleweight was too good i feel to let a rubber-legged Hearns off the Hook....The Spaghetti (legs) would be coming to the boil after the Half way Stage...
Agree. I think his height and jab would be enough to win on points. Toney had a great defense but I think he would be on the defensive too much in this one.
Big Hearns appreciator......also from the Toney is way overrated school.... BUT, Toney wins this one and possibly stops Hearns after 10
Interesting post, and I think you may well be on to something. One thing I'd like to see is Tommy rip shots to the body here. Toney has an iron chin and solid defensive skills, so going for the KO would be a problem for Hearns. Toney also had a real sneaky counter right hand, and if Hearns over-extends his own right, he could be on the receiving end of some nasty punishment. Hearns does have the skills to win no doubt, his ramrod jab was a thing of beauty, but this is a very ticklish fight for Tommy especially in the later rounds. Interesting matchup.
The Hitman would take this one. Toney would be durable enough to go the distance but he'd go into a shell once he felt Hearns' power a few times.
I think this will depend largely on how Tommy approaches the fight, and how disciplined he is in the ring. If he's content to use his long reach and jab to keep Toney on the end of his punches, he'll do very well and can possibly cruise to a decision. If he gets drawn into a firefight or close range, then he opens himself up to Toney being able to slip and counter the way Toney loves to, and that throws the fight into doubt.
Toney. I think this is one of those fights he actually prepares 100% for. He'd want to prove he's the best from Detroit. So he'd be in top shape for a change and not struggle to make weight and be focused. I don't think Tommy's legs hold up for the duration of the bout. Once those legs go, he'd be out of there quick. And Toney being Toney, would win this and in his next bout come in underprepared and have a Tiberi type effort and look like a different guy.
Hearns UD. He has too much range and power. Toney won't get a chance to get up close and counter punch.
This is a weird match. Toney has slow feet, which makes it easier for Tommy to box him from range. Toney also has a cast diamond chin, so he's a favorite for being there near the end and Hearns has a tendency to fade.
What is Hearns going to do? Hit Toney with right hands? After the first round or two, James would start going after him and would stop hearns by the 6th or 7th rounds and it would be a pretty one sided fight.
Although I love Hearns and he hit like a jackhammer, Toney has the monster chin. he also can crack and I think of him as an old school style boxer. He would have fit in back in any era and done well. Toney by mid to late ko.
