One of my favourite fights of all time and certainly one of the most underrated fights ever (I think that's due to the draw). I had it for Tommy but it was a close fight. I remember watching it a year ago on youtube and in the 12th round, even though I knew what the result was, I was on the edge of my seat.
i had Hearns 7-5. Disappointing bout if you saw the first one. But then, few fights compare to the first one.
The rematch was probably every bit as good as the first encounter. Even though both were past their best, the rematch was not lacking in drama and excitement. Infact, it was pretty much a re-run of their first fight with the only difference being that Leonard couldn't get the stoppage he needed to make it almost identical to when they squared off 8 years previously. Another difference was that Hearns managed to hurt and floor Leonard, something he struggled to do during their first fight. If you actually watch how they both fight it's pretty much a re-run of their first encounter for the vast majority of the fight. Hearns pumping the jab, forcing the fight, and backing up Leonard who decided to circle on the backfoot and stay out of harms way. Leonard's punch activity was low during the early rounds of both fights as he decided to play in role of the matador. He waited patiently for openings. When he stepped inside he done damage, mainly with left hooks to the body and head. Both fighters weren't as quick as they were in their primes and their punch resistance wasn't the same, Leonard for obvious reasons. Howard floored him, Lalonde did a year previously, then Hearns managed it twice. IMO their rematch had the same back and forth action as their first fight with a some noteable exceptions. Hearns managed to floor Leonard, he lasted the distance as he learned to hold Leonard inside when he was hurt, something he failed to do when they squared off at welterweight.