Hearns or Spinks- who was the better fighter?

I agree with the hurting early in his earlier career, but when he moved to lightheavyweight (especially after the Barkley fight in 1988) Tommy became a slower starter and used his jab more and would drop the right hand in more economically. He actually started to fight on the inside more since his outside skills were not as great anymore, and he adjusted and did ok on the inside or standing more still using his jab. He still was able to win. Even in some of his smaller fights like Kemper Morton or even Earl Butler in 1995, Hearns became slower paced and would win decisions more. So the bigger he got the more Hearns realized he was not the big puncher and had to rely on his jab and setting punches up more. But to be honest, Hearns at light heavyweight was not at his strongest and Spinks was, so the advantage would go to Spinks and he would probably win at 175. Now this is stupid to say, but a Spinks/Hearns fight at 160 would have been interesting, but Michael could not have made the weight I do not think. I do remember seeing his defenses and that he sometimes weighed in less than 175, which is why I thought moving up to fight Holmes as foolish. But he did great as we all know.

 

It was a prediction based on the two being at their prime in the same division, so we make a prediction based on eachother's strengths and weaknesses. Spinks blasts Hearns out early at Light Heavyweight.

 

I am not so sure. The reason? A common opponent Murray Sutherland. Spinks went 10 with him and then stopped him in 8. Hearns easily outoboxed Murray and almost stopped him. Saying Hearns gets stopped in 2 or 3 and Murray went 18 total in two fights with Michael in my mind does not compute, although styles make fights. This is why I am not too sure. I agree with you in that if Tommy did his wild swinging go for the knockout first two round Michael could counter, but Hearns absolutely would know about the Spinks Jinx. Not saying he would win, but early knockout I don't think so.. I think Tommy would be cautious and fight a conservative fight. But I see your point. I think it would be very hard to Tommy to beat Michael at 175. Although Tommy was going to fight Spinks had he beaten Marvin Hagler. That is why I always respected Tommy, he always took on all challenges. Marvin would have never taken on Michael Spinks.

 

Styles make fights, I expect 1 or 2 quiet rounds and then Spinks will open up like he always does. Hearns can't take the firepower that Michael possessed. I think Tommy would be pressed to get past 6.

 

Spinks could really take his time against guys who backpedalled from him...which I expect Hearns to start doing very early. Id reckon this one probably makes the midrounds, maybe even fairly late if its over 12 and Mike is pacing himself accordingly.

Either way I see no way of Tommy winning this one or even making the rounds.

 

Oh snap, the guy from down under disagreed with me. Flabbergasted, truly. Spinks took his time in most cases, he wasn't particuarly impressing prior to landing his left uppercut on Johnson, it just came out of nowhere. Once he starts to throw, it's just a matter of time I feel.

 

I call as I see it Addie...only the insults I sprinkle in here and there have to do with where you are from...ya twat

And the Johnson fight? Come on dude, Marvin was all up in his grill..Spinks had no choice but to bring the fire. Tommy on the other hand will take a few stern Jinxs and be on his bike for as long as he can be carried away.
Could be a few rounds, could be longer but lesser fighters have hung in there.

 

They have indeed, lesser fighters also went the distance with Barkley. I think Spinks would want to make a pretty big statement against a former Welterweight, and in knowing that Hearns beard was broken down at 147lbs, Spinks should be pretty confident he could get the job done. Just my view, don't shoot me down you Aussie *****. Who watches cricket anyway? ...Honestly.

 

About 1.5 billion people...potentially.

Oh and the Barkley reference is stretching...that was a war where Iran was under the pump.

Spinks will be in the drivers seat pretty early hence why he will gradually chase down his backpedalling foe like he always did, rather then go nuts early just to prove a point.
Whatarock 1 Addie 0

 

Yeah I don't even know why I asked because I like to watch the international stuff. None of this county crap though. I had a huge chip on my shoulder at one point because Australia were so good, and you have all those smiley ****s in your team like Warne and Ponting. Yuck!

 

I do not mind seeing Australia lose in cricket...they are the most arrogant team we produce and it does them good to be brought back down to earth. Sort of like your football team but they are actually good.

 

...No arguments here. Mindless Patriotism makes me sick.