Hearns Vs Hopkins At 160??

Hearns' main weapons were his reach and punching power. I am not saying that he did not possess good boxing skills. He did. At middleweight his power was not as fearsome as it was at welterweight. Also his chin was kind of shaky at MW.

Hopkins was the better all round warrior. He had very respectable punching power himself. He had the better chin.

I would pick a cautious Hopkins to take this by decision.

 

I'd take Hopkins based on natural size, better ring generalship, and a generally sturdy chin, although there are also obvious reasons to like Hearns here as well. Size and speed can trouble Bernard. I'm thinking Bernard absorbs the bombs he has to, but avoids most of them by catching them on his shoulders, smothering Tommy on the inside, and grinding him down with his greater physicality. Would have been an amazing fight.

Late stoppage for Hopkins over 15 and a decisive 8-4 win over 12.

 

I'd expect Hopkins to come on strong halfway through the fight and eventually wear Tommy down with body shots and inside work to stop him around the 11th. He'd have to be wary, but I don't think he's in serious danger of being stopped by a 160lbs Hearns.

 

I think it's possible BHop can eek out a decision...if he can last.

 

John Henry Lewis vs Michael Spinks at LHW? Who Wins?

I know I'm not answering your question...

 

I think it would be Hopkins chasing the KO. Hearns isn't losing a decision to him in my opinion.

 

Hearns UD.

 

Hopkins has an absolutely granite chin that is proven all the way up to LHW, and he is also very crafty on defense. I don't think there's much chance even a puncher like Hearns is going to stop him - and Tommy's power was biggest at WW and SWW, not MW.

Hearns on the other hand lacks durability at MW, and Hopkins has enough power to trouble him. A wily ring general like Bernard would also realise he is not going to win a jabbing contest from the outside against someone like Hearns, so he would take the fight to Tommy and try and rough him up and wear him down with inside fighting. You can bet the Executioner would have studied the video of the Barkley fights, and would employ a similar rough house style, with much more effectiveness thanks to his far superior boxing skills. IMO Hopkins stops Hearns late in the fight.

 

Hearns has stylistic attributes which pose problems for Hopkins imo, definitely. Speedy attacks, a fast and great jab. Hopkins is a great strategist though and his tactical nouse might get him the win but i would consider it a serious achievement if he did, his best bet is to go for a stoppage.

 

Hearns was only 30 at 160+ and he carried his power up the weights quite well. Just ask Shuler, Roldan, Andres and Hill. He also had enough power and speed left to drop bum cruisers when he was old ans shot.

Hearns was too sharp and too skilled and he definately had the power to hurt B Hop at 160. Hearns superior Jab, left hook and switch hitting would put B Hop on the back foot all night.

B Hop doesnt hit as hard as Barkley or Hagler and he wouldn't outbox Hearns.

Its Hearns by decision with a cautious B Hop back footing, hugging and spoiling for the duration.

 

Excellent points.

 

BHOPs doesn't match up that well against Hearns, who has the speed/rangy jab that would give Hops problems, as would his power if he can land it he can seriously hurt Hopkins. Down the stretch Hopkins could come from behind to score a KO as Hearns stamina isn't the greatest.

 

No new posts?

Looks like its Tommy, then, by close decision.