Rocky Graziano - Thomas Hearns at 154

If it went into deep waters, Rocky may well drown him there...if it goes that far. It's just as likely Hearns right hand ends it quickly...or more likely.

 

Hearns in 2.

 

or maybe 3

 

Hmmm...... no.

Hearns kills him.

 

Hearns by brutal KO, getting knocked out early by Hearns doesn't make you a bad fighter

 

Hearns would be favored but a name comes to mind, Iran Barkley, a past it Graziano had Robinson on the deck. Could Hearns survive Graziano? He could not survive Barkley in 2 fights.

 

I'd be rootin' for Rocky.

Cut grade school to go to Stillman's Gym. Rocky Graziano was hittin' a speed bag, smokin' a cigarette. After awhile, he looked down:
"Why ain't you in school?"

"Why ain't you? I said. He roared with laughter 'n introduced me to some of the other fighters. After that, whenever I was at the gym, or at the fights, he always called me over, by name. Made me feel like onea the guys.

 

Shoot from the hip, b. More than once, shot myself in the foot.

 

I think he did go the distance with Barkley in the second fight, although he lost.

 

jg, great story about my favorite fighter ,Rocky Graziano..
As to who would win at 154 between Graziano and Hearns, it's a hard one for me to pick...In 1945 I saw Rocky Graziano, a 10-to ONE underdog flatten a young sensation from Philly named Billy Arnold...Billy Arnold , was the Thomas Hearns of his time [1945]...Arnold kod about FORTY FIVE fiughters in a row, and was callked the New Joe Louis...Well underdog Rocky took a beating for the first two rounds [Rocky could take a punch]
and in the 3rd round exploded his right hand on Arnold's jaw, and flattened the unbeaten Billy Arnold...
Thomas Hearns, one of my favorite welters, was a tremendous right hand puncher also, but was frailer than Rocky was at 154lbs..
The only analogy, I can make is Rocky's fight with Charley Fusari, who fought like Hearns [without Tommy's power]...Fuysari was winning the fight til the 10th rd and Graziano finally kod Charley Fusari...
Forced to make a pick, most likely Thomas Hearns by decision.Dream bout!

 

Graziano was strong, extremely aggressive and had a powerful right hand. He has the puncher's chance but I'd favour Hearns's speed and better technique to win here. Considering their styles, it would not last more than 6 rounds at most.

 

I think the odds favor Hearns but it's not so cut and dry as some think. Graziano arguably hit as hard as Hearns, but he was nowhere near the technician. However, if his right lands, good night. Robinson stated that even a past-it Graziano almost put him out. I give it to Hearns 65/35.