Leonard vs Hearns at 154

Hearns was more experienced at that point. The only punches Ray was landing was punches on the break. He was hurt before that at the end of round 9 and in round 5 and recovered. He was not going to be knocked out. I don't think, and Ray was the one who went to the hospital that night, not Tommy.

 

That is a fair assumption

 

@ETM i'd forgotten there was already verbal agreements for the winner of Leonard - Hearns 2 to fight Duran prior to their their actual fight. Duran was champ when these two entered the ring.

Having said that all Duran's comments were geared toward Leonard, he seemed to think Hearns had little chance.

 

and a Hearns vs. Duran 2 would have been an interesting fight since Duran had just won a title against Barkley and Hearns had gone down in those 5 years probably more than Duran had. So I think a Duran/Hearns 2 would have been more interesting than Duran/Leonard 3

 

Good call. Yeah, all their fights regardless of weight would be close and Hearns would take at least one of a three-fight series. Hearns was the best 154 pounder in history and had the skills to outbox Leonard. The only question would be about his discipline and whether he would be happy to box Leonard for 15 rounds. But I think he could certainly take him.