Hearns vs Hopkins at 160?

I'd favor prime Bernard to wear Hearns down and stop him around the 10th round.

He wouldn't go after Hearns the way Hagler did, but he'd get the job done eventually IMO.

 

BHop by Decision

 

I honestly think Hearns may very well have been a bad matchup for Hopkins. I'll go with Hearns by Decision.

 

How do you see the fight playing out if you pick Hearns by decision?

I think it would be a close fight throughout and I'm sure you will present an excellent case for Hearns, but I think Hopkins would know to get inside against Hearns where his superior size and strength serves him best. I think Hopkins with intelligent aggression would be able to get in close and land with enough frequency to gradually break Tommy down. I also believe Hopkins could do quite well outside. Competitive throughout for sure, but I can't see Hearns beating prime Hopkins at middleweight.

 

Unless Hopkins were to imply a Hagler like strategy I don't see him getting in on Hearns to the point that he'd take him off his game. Hagler was able to bullrush Hearns, take everything he had, and wear him down with a constant attack. That was never Hopkins's game, even if he could apply effective aggression.

I think the fight would be very competitive, with Hearns's jab and reflexes carrying him on the outside, with Hopkins looking to feint his way inside in spurts, as he did often. I don't think he'd have been as effective at that game against Hearns, given how quick he was off the draw, but I do think he'd put in his best work of the fight this way. Still, I just don't see Hopkins as the style of pressure fighter needed to bully Hearns back and beat him up.

I do see it being a very competitive bout though.

 

Oooooo very tough pick!
I think Bernard by VERY close decision... but I really don't know man, Tommy could pull it off.

 

I just noticed this is a multiple choice poll!
So I will vote for both!!!

 

That was never really Hagler's game before his fight with Hearns either, don't you think Hopkins could/would apply the same strategy given the edge Tommy has on the outside?

 

He did much the same thing vs Obelmejias in their bouts, bulldozing his way in and keeping the fight close so as not to let the taller man work from the outside.

I don't rule out a Hopkins wins by any means, I just don't think he was built to utilize the same style as Hagler did, just based off past performances and style.

 

Cobra-SWEET PEA DOES NOT REALLY RATE HOPKINS THAT HIGHLY!!!!!!! Sweet pea in other post said hops was pretty much in his prime when he fought jones. I read it but some how he denies he said that so i think he has a very biased side to him. Not saying he doesnt know his stuff but when it comes to sertain fighters dont be shocked if his bias thoughts come out.

 

B-Hop would crown Hearns. Hop is too strong for Hearns. He would not be able to out box Hop, or hurt him. You needed to be as strong as Hop or strong with speed, and Hearns at 160 had neither quality. Hop ko in 5.

 

I've actually seen posts of Sweet Pea where he said Hopkins was before his prime when he fought Jones, as was Roy. :blood
And it's pretty much the truth.

 

Hearns UD