McClellan took the better punch, Hearns was the better boxer. Both could slug something fierce with those right hands. But as a rule of thumb, when two big right hand bangers are paired off, and one has a significant edge in the punch resistance department, thats the one you want to bet on. McClellan, early.
Hearns has the range, jab, and powerful right hand. McClellan was also a powerful puncher, and had more durability overall. Wicked punches thrown by both, and would be a brutal affair while it lasted, but I think Hearns weak chin ultimately gets exposed once more.
TBH...I've never thought of this fight before. If Tommy went in there with a mindset to box he would outpoint McClellan...But I'm afraid I have to go along with everyone. McClellan early. But Hearns does have the tools to beat him, he could outbox him easily...but...
Hearns rarely got hit clean no matter whom he fought. Gerald would not hit him clean enough to stop him, and Tommy would land his right hand like he always did and stop Gerald. How many clean punches have you seen hit Tommy? Barkley or Roldan maybe, but not many. They were always grazing or not clean knockout punches. Even Kinchen didn't land his best or Leonard in the rematch.
imo McLellan would land on Hearns' chin sooner or later. it would probably be very close until Hearns' chin makes the difference
Too much is made of Hearns' chin; the shots from Hagler and Barkley would have flattened anyone. McClellan likely was more durable than Hearns but Tommy has more than an edge in every other department. McClellan wasn't as wild as Hagler, Barkley or Roldan. Hearns was a much better boxer with greater power. McClellan's defence is no match for Hearns' skills. It's not an easy fight for Hearns, but it is certainly one he would win if not by KO, then certainly on points. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz4KWIP3mrQ"]Gerald McClellan Highlight by Iceveins[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZdLJAYzV9M"]Tommy Hearns Highlight by Iceveins[/ame]
McClelland does not have the resume of Hearns and saying he would just land and stop Hearns is a little easy to say. The guys who beat Hearns had to work to beat him and work through punches to beat him. Barkley beat him when guys like Hill did not. It was more unorthodox fighters who beat Tommy opposed to good fighters, meaning if a guy was wild and took chances he had a chance and Barkley did the right things, but to say because Iran Barkley or Hagler go to Hearns that means everyone else would. I don't think so. They both had to take Hearns best punch and go through punches which knocked out other tough opponents. But Hearns beat up guys who were better than Barkley or McClelland even at light heavyweight. I like Gerald but to say he could beat Hearns. I am not too sure. The resume is not there where he beat many guys of this level.
