Hearns, I don't think Rodriguez has the firepower or jab to take any control in this match up. Bit basic analysis granted
Nah, that's too predictable. Can we find a way for Rodriguez to pull it off? Body punching, better at close range etc
LMR the man for the job IMO. Rounded, great jab, odd rhythm and able to bounce around the ring and in and out of range brilliantly and mixed up shots to body and head superbly. 50-50 and I won't argue either way but you want someone to beat Hearns at 154 (his consensus peak) and Rodriguez is your man. Watch him about McClure and know of the numerous middleweight punchers he beat, some with consummate ease, and of the stylists he proved himself against. Didn't Rodriguez blast Mundine out in a round? Rodriguez can gain Hearns' respect IMO even if he has to go the distance to win.
If he can fight a defensively perfect fight, then maybe he has a chance of turning up the pace with pressure on the inside over the second half of the fight. But even in the unlikely event that he manages that, he likely he just loses a shut out I'm not a Rodriguez expert but brushing up on him, unless that lazy jab (which he throws in other fights too) isn't a feint, then he'll be in serious trouble from overhand right counters. As for your arguments for him. His jab just isn't a match in this match up imo. 'Odd rythm' well yea, if he can do what few did and take the jab away that could work, but don't think he can. 'Bouncing around the ring' umm yea I think Hearns will help him bounce around the ring The difference in power exchanges is just going to be massive
Tommy by KO he would catch Luis Manuel Rodriguez throwing those wide looping punches and would be good night irene
And yet Carter didn't smash him up, and Benton couldn't outjab him :think Watch more, keep your opinions to yourself 'til then.
Bump. I’m leaning towards Hearns by decision in a close fight. Rodriguez was very tricky and slick with a high workrate and his bouncy movement can make it hard for Hearns to land often, not to mention Rodriguez’s fast flurries on the inside. Hearns’ better offensive firepower ultimately wins him a decision in a tougher than expected fight.
Funny isn't it? Luis has a 10 times the better resume then Napoles but you never hear a word about him. Hearns is not going to knock him out. At Welter Rodriguez. Jr.middle Hearns. Both decisions.
Hearns by Ko. Rodriguez would have the same issue most fighters who was about 5'8" would have. That's hot to cut the distance between himself and Hearns. Rodriguez wasn't extremely fast or a devastating puncher. He was more a clever counter puncher, that was well versed in boxing tactics. Very skilled, and underrated. But Hearns was simply all kinds of wrong for him at both weights. Starting with the extreme height and reach differences. Than tact on Hearns was much faster, and hit to the 10th power much harder. Though Rodriguez was a counter punching wizard, Hearns skill level ( Which is conveniently forgotten by many on this site.) with his physical advantages would prove insurmountable. Hearns wins this easier than expected.
