Its not like Hearns had this huge body of work at 160. He had a handful of fights at the weight. He beat Roldan who was tough but had only about two or three world class wins, Shuler who was unproven, Sutherland who was weighing in at his career lowest weight and fighting 15 pounds under his best weight, DeWitt who was coming off a loss and would lose his next fight by stoppage in three rounds, and lost to Hagler and Barkley. You could throw his draw with an ancient Leonard in there but the point is that Hearns MW resume isnt exactly terrifying. As mentioned above Roldan had very few world class wins. Hamsho had the deepest resume at 160 but think about that for a second. A face first slugger who used his physicality to make fights ugly and dirty to wear guys down. Hopkins would have LOVED to have fought Hamsho.
If Jermain Taylors jab and movement bothered Hopkins. .the 1987 srl would beat the 1995 hopkins. This content is protected This content is protected ? Its that old chesnut that gets asked....no one outboxed Tommy....hopkins wasnt quite the atg in 1995 but regardless he gets outboxed over 15. Mugabi loses to hopkins,roldan and hamsho would be entertaining close rough house brawls
Hopkins could probably have beaten all those excellent Middleweights but most people would have switched channels by the end of the fourth. Hagler actually stood in range and used his courage as well as his skills. I admire Hopkins but the lads in the pub don't get excited about a Fighter who runs, grabs sticks and nicks.
Hearns body of work is way ahead of Trinidads or Oscars. These are seen as defining fights for Hopkins at 160!! That's not to mention Roldan and Hamshos records. Not even mentioned Vito or Obel or Minter, if Hopkins can't convincingly beat Segundo Mercado (19-10-2) and gets put on his arse by him, he's not going to beat those guys! Hopkins notwithstanding his longevity is one of the most overrated guys ever.
I think people are underestimating Hearns in this. Hearns would have a shot at Hopkins. Remember Hearns was young and prime and at a slower pace he would get the punch off. Hagler had a game plan for Tommy that Bernard would not have. Bernard was Tommy's height. Roldan might be hard for Hopkins just by his random unpredictable punches. Most of the others I can see Hopkins beating..
Meh, I'm not that high on Hopkins. I could see him lose to a few that Hagler fought. Then again, I guess you could also make the argument that he has the potential to beat anybody that Hagler fought too ... I'm just not that sure he'd do it, Hagler was super consistent.
Although overall BHop is a far better fighter, I could see style wise prime Obelmejias shocking Hopkins in a neutral venue.
No a relentless slugger who is a southpaw at bat. James Shuler was a top amateur and top prospect. He had just bested Kinchen who at the time was unbeaten. Dewitt was a top contender for years. And years latter would win the WBO title.
Minter and Hamsho would be very interesting. Hamsho may toss him about to the point Hopkins cant continue yet again!! I believe Hearns outboxes him.
