Tommy takes it by outboxing Lights Out and staying outside, decision..Im not gonna say ANYONE under heavyweight and knock a prime Toney out without pure luck..
Tommy outhustles Toney to take this decision. It's a matter of taking action, instead of reacting, and Hearns would make the fight. Nobody outpointed Hearns at his peak, and he established his 15 round creds against Benitez.
Reggie Johnson hurt Toney pretty bad in their fight. I don't think Toney is unstoppable, but I have a lot of respect for Toney's abilities. I don't think he would get stopped in this fight, but it would have been possible. Toney was not a powerhouse at middleweight, but he was a decent puncher there. He was also strong at that weight. His strength and power is what made the difference in Toney's fights with McCallum. Toney may not end this fight with one punch like he did against Nunn, but he would always be capable of setting up a knock out after a big shot in this match. Hearns style is all wrong for James. Hearns could box very well, and Toney would not have a strength or power edge in this fight. I like Hearns by decision, but you can argue other outcomes.
I would go with Tommy also with the most likely outcome being a clear UD over 12 for Hearns. Hearns might not stop Toney but James will be hurt from both body and head attacks and he's going to know he's been in a fight by the end of the 12th. I wouldn't rule out a Hearns TKO if Tommy can land often enough with those wicked left hooks that doubled over Barkley without being stopped himself.
Hearns, probably by UD. It may be imperative for Tommy to stick to boxing 'smart' in this one, otherwise Toney has a chance of a stoppage, if he's given a chance to tee off.
It will be Toney-Nunn repeated all over again. Michael Nunn was more mobile and faster than Hearns. We also know how few punches are needed to hurt Hearns at this weight.
Nunn was faster on feet and slightly faster with his hands, than a 160lb Hearns. Watch the fights and compare their jabs or right hands from distance.
I think Toney beats Hearns at 160. Hearns was powerful and dangerous but often looked shaky against good strong middleweights. People tend to gloss over the facts about Hearns' vulnerability.