Leonard says Hearns was his biggest rival AND toughest opponent

Wouldn't doubt it considering Hearn's even in losing basically ended Leonard's career in any consistent way shape or form.

 

Not surprised at all. I don't think too many welterweights ever beat Tommy that night. It took everything Leonard had to beat Hearns that night. There were several shifts in momentum and several shifts in strategy. Great, great fight. Leonard pretty much gives Hearns the second fight.

 

Hearns weighed in at 145, which cost him in the end. NOt sure why, but they left him in the steam room too long. He was completely dehydrated, and after 12 rounds his legs were gone. If Hearns had weighed in at 147 he quite possibly has the stamina to go 15 and hold his lead.

 

He also said the Benitez fight was the most difficult

 

I have evidence from Hearns himself which is totally the opposite of what you said above. He said he was fine, he never struggled with the weight, and he wasn't tired down the stretch. I'm unsure if he was badly weight drained. It's confusing as the vast majority of people think so, but not when it comes from the horses mouth.

If you watch the start of the 14th round Hearns actually moves laterally, has a spring about his step, then only when Leonard catches him along the ropes does his legs give way. Leonard's punches caused Hearns' stamina to evaporate rather than weight problems IMO after watching the fight. Hearns was doing well up until the 13th round, and guess what happened during that round, Leonard hurt him. As I said earlier during the start of the 14th round Hearns was not fighting flat-footed up until being caught along the ropes when Leonard hit him, raised his hands in the air, then went after him. He wasn't quite firing on all cylinders as he was 3-4 rounds previously as the 13th round assualt took a lot out of him.

 

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Watch the start of the 14th round. Hearns IMO doesn't show any signs of fatigue until Leonard catches him along the ropes. Infact he does remarkably well considering he was furiously assualted during the previous round. He's on his toes constantly moving, firing out jabs, and dictating the pace of the fight. Take into consideration this is the 14th round of the fight. Not the signs of a fighter struggling with the weight down the stretch. His recovery powers are impressive, until he gets caught again.

 

Great analysis! You know I've been trying to tell them as much but for some reason people don't like hearing it.

IMO, Tommy at 147 changes the complexion of this fight and wins-on points.

 

I'm surprised he didnt mention Terry Norris, the guy who murdered him in the ring.

 

Some fighters can weigh in on the same day, and not be affected, while others can't. Hearns would have been huge if he had an extra day to re-hydrate.

Also, some people have suggest SRL "roided" up for the second Leonard-Hearns fight......though this has never been proven.

 

Yeah, they should have called the fight off and told the punters to "come back tomorrow".

 

Complete and total bull****. Hearns looked fantastic throughout the bout, even in the late rounds. The only times he looked off in the fight was when Leonard's fists were pounding his face. I'm tired of this bull**** excuse.

 

Yeah, I saw that happen too. But in fairness to Rooster, he's always had sympathy for the two pounds that Colbert needlessly lost against Hagler and was way ahead until he fell onto Marv's fist, breaking his jaw and he himself admitted that 'baldy wouldn't have had a chance' if the fight took place the next day when 'Super Mike' could weigh in at 160.

 

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Looks like Roosters got a new pal