Hearns vs Leonard 84.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by 80s champs, Mar 20, 2016.



  1. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member Full Member

    47,915
    34,368
    Apr 27, 2005
    I like peak Hearns at 154, especially if it's over 12. They will always have great matches and this would be no different. Hearns took a bit out of their initial encounter (clinching, pacing, experience) whilst SRL was already extremely well rounded. Hearns was also the naturally bigger man and a bit stronger at 154.
     
  2. tinman

    tinman VIP Member Full Member

    30,324
    22,865
    Feb 25, 2015
    What people don't realize is that Hearns was still developing into his body at Welterweight. He was dangerous nonetheless and one of the top H2H Welterweights ever, still.

    But he was a better figher p4p at 154 than 147. That's when he finally grew into his frame and settled into his natural weight class.
     
  3. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member Full Member

    47,915
    34,368
    Apr 27, 2005
    Absolutely. 154 imo was the best Hearns we ever saw and only some hand injuries held him back from doing even more.
     
  4. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    24,147
    6,350
    Jul 17, 2009


    Hearns takes a decision over 12 rounds. Over 15,I'd always favour Leonard.
     
  5. Eel87

    Eel87 Active Member Full Member

    938
    424
    Nov 10, 2014
    I would argue that Leonard might have gotten even better had he not retired.
     
  6. natonic

    natonic Boxing Addict Full Member

    5,581
    73
    Jul 9, 2008
    The 89 fight was similar to the first with Hearns early and Leonard coming on late. Difference being Leonard was much more susceptible to getting caught at that point. I think if that was a 15 round fight that Leonard would have stopped Tommy again. 84 was probably Tommy's absolute peak and over 12 I think he'd beat Leonard at 154. Over 15? Tossup IMO. Hearns if it's a decision, Leonard if there's a stoppage.
     
  7. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    26,189
    9,762
    Jan 4, 2008
    I think the two fights taken together give a strong indication that Leonard in most cases would stop Tommy over 15 rds prime for prime, at least below LHW.

    Over 12, it's a different story however.