LaMotta had problems making weight @160 so we'll bring him in @168.Hearns would have no problem making this weight.Question is can Tommy hold Jake off for 15rds.,or does Jake keep it close until the late Rds and then assert himself.I'm betting Hearns walk away with a comfortable decision.
Hearns could not knock him out but could outpoint him. Tommy would probably weaken late do to Jake's body shots. So, I would give it to Jake late round stoppage.
Thats only if Jake gets close enough.That was the idea with Robinson too and Jake failed 5 out of 6 times.
Fighting LaMotta at close quarters would be foolish. Hearns' movement, and rapier left jab would be the tools to keep "the raging bull" controlled. Standing flat-footed and letting the right hand off the leash would be a wise move, but avoiding an all out war is a must for Hearns. Such tactics would be playing right into LaMotta's hands. Hearns on points.
Hearns would have a big lead but LaMotta would be all over him for the last 5 rounds. If Hearns can hear the final bell he wins but I think Lamotta would get to him first.
This is a jabfest. Jake's eyes and nose get pulped as Tommy keeps him at long range with the straight left and some lightning fast one twos. Maybe Jake's strength becomes a factor in the championship rounds, presuming he can still see and breathe.
Hearns would jump out to a big lead and then have trouble holdong off the Bull. Hearns would have to hold a lot in the late rounds, but could probably eek out a decision.
LaMotta via stoppage between 7 and 15. Hearns' power was not the same at 168 as it was at 147 and 154, and LaMotta isn't gonna stop chasing him until he drops him for good. Hearns' durability is a serious hindrance in this matchup, as is his stamina, ESPECIALLY if it's a 15 round fight.
Surviving a late scare, i see Hearns winning by tight decision. He would beat Jake to the jab, box, keep his distance, and fire hard right hands from the outside. If Hearns was to stop Jake, then it would have to be early. Jake would have his oppourtunities late as Hearns always fadded down the stretch, but i see Hearns getting through the fight. Hearns by tight unanimous decision.
The Bronx Bull takes it by late round kayo. Hearns was beaten twice at middleweight by Iran Barkley and Barkley was no LaMotta. James Kinchen had Harns holding on for dear life. Juan Domingo Roldan had Hearns in trouble. LaMotta would be way too strong for Hearns IMO.
