Griffith would have the same problem as any fighter under 5'10" with a short reach, without great speed or dynamic firepower. How to close the distance on the freak of nature named Thomas Hearns , with his heavyweight reach, Lt heavy punching power, and lightweight speed , and all world skill level. In my opinion he doesn't, Griffith gets K'oed with in 10rds. Possibly much earlier.
Not refuting your outcome, however I would say Emile had great speed he was very, very fast when he was on the front foot.
Yes he was fast, but would he have a speed advantage over Hearns? That's what I was getting at. And if there is one fighter in history that would keep Griffith off of that "front foot" it would be Thomas Hearns.
No chance for brave little Griffith here. Walks heroically into everything until he gets tired and Tommy sets him up and takes him out.
Thid fight would remind me of the first Carlos Monzon vs Emile Griffith title bout on Sept 25 1971 in Buenos, Aires, Argentina, won by Carlos, TKO 14. Emile was giving a good account of himself, but the superior reach, combination punching by Monzon, not to mention the big right hand that hurt Emile, forcing the stoppage by the referee. Thomas Hearns would employ the same plan, use the long left jab, utilize combination punching and wait for the opening for the right hand. Hearns by TKO 12.
Yeah Hearns for me too. I think he's one of very very very few that might be able to get Emile out of there at 147.
Emile Griffith would do better in a fight against Marvin Hagler ..than he would against Thomas Hearns
If Tommy doesn't get Emile out of there early, see the first Hearns Leonard fight. Emile would stop him late.
