Fight of the Year 1981: Leonard/Hearns or Sanchez/Gomez

Both classics, but a slight edge to Leonard-Hearns because of the stakes involved

 

Leonard Hearns captured the world's attention.

 

This content is protected

 

leonard Hearns captured the world's attention but Sanchez Gomez was the better fight.

 

In Sanchez- Gomez, there was no having to wait for the action to heat up

action right from the start, with the damage being done the first round, but by Sanchez, not Gomez

I know, Farhood loved Gomez which is what made the destruction even better. I know Salvador LOOKS harmless even some of the meek looking can cause damage quickly

 

neither one.

Pryor-Dujuan Johnson gor me.

 

Leonard vs Hearns

 

For all out action, that one was right up there.

I think because of significance, Leonard/Hearns is tops - and I think it did in fact win with most of the Boxing publiccations at the time.

 

He may have liked Gomez, but I'll go back and check the old issue which previews this fight - Farhood was very astute, and I am not sure whether he picked Gomez to win this fight.

Farhood was essentially spot on with Leonard/Hearns, picking Leonard via 13th round KO.

 

Leonard vs Hearns went in with hype and exceeded it, Sanchez was a bit of a mystery we didn't know how good he was. The sad part is who knows really how great he would have been? It's hard to picture anyone beating him ever. He's one of those that you would just watch and shake your head almost not believing what you were seeing.

 

it did not exceed it, but only MET expectations. I remember the fight too

and btw, I also called the fight correctly as Hearns was a bit of a mystery and not known to many outside of boxing circles

Sanchez was not as built up as Tommy because of his frail appearance, and less than overpowering offense

Until after he was done with Gomez.

Sorry about that Mr. Farhood (makes sad face with tear streaming down cheek)

 

Not just the stakes involved but the actual fight and it's dramatic touches throughout.

Sanchez pretty much dominated Gomez in it's entirety. Big difference in excitement, the ebb & flows and epic finish between Leonard-Hearns.

 

Farhood reminds me of a man

But if anyone remembers, it was Gomez who was expected to dominate

Yet it was Sanchez who meted out the mayhem and in the first round yet

THAT exceeded expectations

also, look how much damage was caused in the first round alone; a shattered eye socket and cheekbone

This win was more convincing because no one can say Gomez was weight drained but in fact, was damaged beyond repair (and recognition)

 

. . . .the reversal of styles with Leonard becoming the hunter and Hearns showing some flash!