Andre Ward vs Tommy Hearns at 168

168 is not the best weight for Hearns.

 

I knew this would come up sooner or later.
Once you get to 168,you have a far more level playing field when it comes to Tommy.
I never felt Tommy was as fluid north of 160 and his boxing ability was far more of a factor than it was at 147.You can't think of prime Tommy at this weight either so while it's far from a sure thing,and Andre hasn't fought anyone on Tommy's level,I'm going to pick Ward on a very close MD.He is the ultimate neutraliser right now,and I know Tommy had some big performances at the heavier weights,but I think Ward might have the style to get inside that jab of Tommy's and give him fits up close.
No reflection on Tommy's legendary status though.

 

Hagler vs Ward would be a MUCH better comparison.

Ward wins here by destruction.

 

Well put. My only disagreement is that ward wins it by a wider decision (8-4 ish) as far as we know Wards chin is pretty solid despite a brief hiccup earlier in his career. Hearns would be walking into Ward and that definatley plays to Wards strengths. I'm not sure whether he'll be able too smother on the inside like he did with Froch but he will certainly be able to do his fair share of holding. I think Hearns may have a few big rounds though where he stuns ward, who is then forced to hang on and is maybe forced to take a knee. Ward strikes me as the type of guy that would be smart enough to take a knee if nessecary.

115-112 Ward with him taking a knee in the middle rounds

 

When Tommy got to 168 he was very experienced. Past his prime but experienced. He could do well here. Saying Ward would destruct Hearns when Virgil HIll who had 10 title defenses and was undefeated did not destruct Hearns and Hearns outclass him. I am not sure. Most people rate Hearns by the Kinchen fight. That fight was right after Hearns was stopped by Barkley.

 

I think it's pretty ridiculous to suggest ward dominates hearns to be honest. I'd say it's a 60-40 fight in wards favour. I'd expect the majority too go for Ward by close but clear UD, however I'm not ruling out a tommy win thats for sure. We still don't really know how wards chin is either :think

 

Hearns is always rated by a full career and the Kinchen fight. He did not look good in that fight at all. It was a few months after Barkley knocked him out. I don't like excuses, but he did not look good in that fight and Kinchen was not a great so that is why I said something was wrong. Tommy focused and in shape would use his jab and try and set up Ward for a knockout. The style of Ward is not a style which Hearns had trouble with.

 

Tommy Hearns was one of my favorite fighters, but 168 was not an ideal weight for him. Ward would get inside and Maul him all night..

 

I think Hearns had the ability and size to keep the fight at his range and win on points. Ward might have been able wear him down later in the fight since Hearns tended to tire. If Ward was able to keep the pressure up and force the pace he could finish strong, but thats not really his style either. He seemed to tire in the last 3 rounds vs Froch too.

 

I see Hearns/Barkley. Hearns get roughed up and beat up, as others have stated not Hearns best weight.

 

:huh either way I think ward edges this out

 

He has fought all of the biggest punchers the 168lb division has to offer and none of them were able to have him even slightly hurt. What else does he have to do to prove he has a good chin?

 

Ward mauls him.

 

If by that you mean Froch & Abraham, there's still one left. So no he hasn't. :yep


On topic; Ward operates around Tommy's jab to come in close, score, and cruise to a UD.