Leonard had to dig deep to survive Hearns. Not saying Curry didn't have heart but he would have to prove it to me that he could gut out a nightmare match like this. I guess if he could find his way inside Curry would have a punchers chance.
Prime Curry didn't get hit much and when he did he had a decent chin. He easily starched the immitation Hearns - Milton McCrory. Of course Hearns was much better than McCrory, but had a similar style. Also, remember, 147 was not Hearns best weight. He was a little fragile. I see a chess match. Hearns would try to land the jab and follow with sharp crosses, and work the body, from a distance. Curry would slip most of the jabs and follow with his own rights. Most would miss. Hearns would keep it on the outside in the early and middle rounds. Curry may be hurt once or twice. As Hearns gasses, Curry gets close and works him over more often. Hearns tries to tie up. But his spindly legs and skinny arms mean Curry breaks free. Curry keeps the pressure on and begins to catch up on the scorecards. Hearns is hurt and fatigued but Curry cannot land the decisive fight ending blow. Hearns hangs on for a close decision. Watch tapes of 1982-1985 Curry. He was a complete fighter. Hearns at 147 was not as strong as he was at 154. This would not be a blow out. Prime 147 Curry seems to have been largely forgotten. It's a shame.
Donald had a decent chin at best, and was lucky he didn't have to fight Bobby How Young coming up, or take on Milton as originally planned. But he was a complete fighter for a minute. If he had a Leonard like chin, and could take away Tommy's jab, he wins an upset decision. But Hearns' power is too much, and he would win by 5th round knockout.
Oh lord, not this again Bobby Joe Young couldn't even get past Pedro Vilela and Kevin Howard during his pro development. Yes, Young had power, but also was much slower of hand and foot than Curry and much worse defensively. I can't see him beating Curry even during their professional development stage.
If Young catches Curry like Hwang did, he knocks Donald out. Bobby Joe was thumbed in his loss to Howard, and several have said he was robbed against Vilela in his pro debut.
I agree hes largely forgotten. Never mentioned in mythical match ups with anyone. He would imo spank Mayweather. Absolute electric when peak ! Really really strange how hes forgotten when he could possibly be the dangerman for any elite welter in history. Honeyghan fight really ****ed his reputation ...He wasn't peak then anyway imo, and Honeyghan on that one night would not be denied
Curry stood in the pocket with Colin Jones, a power hitter and methodically broke him down.You need more than just power to beat Curry.
It would be a much harder fight for Hearns then most think. Curry threw short accurate punches and had a really good Defense. And a prime Curry could really punch. I can't pick against Hearts though because he was one of my all-time favorites and I think he had more heart then Curry so if it got rough I think Hearns could gut it out. Think Hearns loved boxing while Curry enjoyed it and was very successful I think he didn't love it like a Hearns. When Yearns lost he was devastated and wanted revenge or to do better. When Curry lost he moved up. Hearns would never surrender in a corner I don't think but Curry did.
I'm still chuckling at the idea that Bobby Joe Young was some great threat to Prime Curry, who was a magnificent fighting machine, instead of the overhyped limited, fringe contender that I saw back then who was slow footed and robotic. I'd bet a roll of 100's on a quick Curry knockout without blinking and I'm no gambler. Curry would be hard for Hearns to hit at WW and he could work his way in late, I see Saad's scenario as really insightful and I might lean towards Curry stopping him late.
