I knew your thoughts on Robinson's long range battle with Hearns, i think its much closer than that, but most likely the scenario is the one that would play out ultimately i must say.
Hearns didn't land a lot of bombs in the first fight, but there were enough to certify the heart and chin of Leonard. The 2nd fight was at 168. It's apples and oranges. Donnie Lalonde knocked Leonard down at 168. Leonard was a welterweight, period. He had some success at higher weights because of his exceptional skill and heart. Hearns had the frame to carry the weight and was a much bigger man than Leonard in the 2nd fight. Back to the thread. I rate Hearns very highly H2H at Wleterweight. I do think Gavilan is one of the few guys who could take a shot from Hearns and impose his will and style on the fight. I think it's super close. I'd give Gavilan a close decision. I think experience would come in to play also.
He wasn't landing clean shots off the chin, but he was definitely landing, and often. Leonard went completely against his style by coming forward and looking to get in no matter what the costs, and the costs were a lot of punishment from Hearns. He definitely took a good amount of punishment in the fight, as shown by his face afterwards.