Just realized that I can't remember seeing a thread like this (even though there probably have been several) so I thought I'd give it a go. I think it's quite an intriguing match-up both at MW and LHW. At MW Hopkins was more of a search and destroy type of fighter, but he didn't have Hagler's chin nor Barkley's punch. So this is a hard one, but I think I'll go with Hopkins here. I think he was tough and crafty enough to get to Hearns before Hearns got to him. He'd probably visit the canvas before that, though. At LHW, I think Hearns matches up better style-wise with the counter-puncher Hopkins turned in to when he started to decline physically, so my bet here is Tommy on decision.
Hopkins had a very good chin but he also hid his chin really well. Hearns had a unique skillset. The long jab, laser right hand and the speed a coordination that a tall Welter/Middleweight don`t often have. Could go either way. I think Hopkins knew how to use what he had about as good as anyone. I think he was stronger physically than Hearns, not punching power but overall strength IMO. Their height are pretty close so I don`t see Hearns dominating on the outside for long stretches. I think Hopkins can find his way inside more than Hearns would like. I think he can wear down Tommy Hearns enough to win a decision with maybe a knockdown or possibly get a stoppage. I`ll take Hopkins but it`s no sure thing.
Hopkins NO PROBLEM, at 160 and 175, ya know honestly no.way in I'll pick a guy who's been stopped 6 times in his career, over a guy who was NEVER stopped, and went the distance at 50 years old a few months back against arguably the sports biggest puncher.. Hopkins was the better fighter period, his longevity proves that..:deal
Hearns would win, he's too fast for Hopkins and has by far the better jab. Hopkins likely try's to come inside where Hearns is weaker would try and maul Hearns. But Hearns can get off quicker inside too. I don't see any evidence to point to Hopkins beating someone as quick as Hearns, he usually ducks opponents as quick as Hearns or loses his title fights to them.
A very interesting matchup ... Hearn's outpointed a defensive master in Benitez so with his reach and speed and power he'd be a tough nut .. Hopkins was no huge puncher nor a huge output fighter so Tommy might give him a lot of trouble .. Over 15 maybe Hopkins but over 12 it could go either way ..
Hearns....by a wide UD or late stoppage....this would be new ground for B-Hop.....he will be the hunted in this fight
Hearns might very well have the tools to beat Hopkins, but if the fight was going to happen tomorrow, I might chicken out and pick Hopkins.
Who hits harder Leonard or hopkins? I'd say Bhop at 160. Who is tougher and has a better defense? Bhop Who beat hearns at 160 with less skills than Bhop. Barkley Kovalev hits extremely hard, hearns is a better puncher p4p but he would not stop hopkins.
Hopkins can't win a decision in this match, and the earlier he realizes it, the better chance he has of winning. Hopkins is a clever individual and if he knows he needs a knockout, he could set something up. But he has to be a sizeable dog here. When he fought Jones, he had a similar conundrum and he failed to do anything meaningful. Hearns is not as formidable as Jones and also more vulnerable to being hurt, but still, Hopkins is not the kind of fighter to think up brilliance on the spot, he is the kind that does the basic thing extremely well, possesses a refinement that few do, and that will not help him much here. He needs to close in and land a hook or straight right hand, and he's not a specialist.
