Spinks vs Hearns @ LHW

Put a stretcher close to ringside. Tommy's gonna need it.

Spinks KO 3. Hearns would be OUT.

 

At LHW I go with Spinks.

 

I have Spinks by decision. Hearns to me was not the same guy at 168 and above. Sure he beat Virgil Hill at 175 but Spinks is not Hill and I believe Spinks might even stop him.

 

You're a good poster, and I don't usually disagree with your assessments. But how in the WORLD is Hearns gonna last the distance with Spinks?

 

This. Somebody would have to really hate Tommy to match him with Spinks.

 

This isn't purely about size either.

Spinks was a better and greater fighter than Hearns. Smarter, much tougher, and far more versatile and adaptable.

 

Spinks is a smart fighter and he knows that Tommy can crack. He is is going to fight him smart and not put himself in a position to get caught by that right hand. He knows he can out point an older Hearns that didn't have his legs as he went up in weight. A guy like Barkley had no choice but to brawl with Tommy and that is literally the only way Barkley could beat Hearns was via dog fight. Spinks was smarter and more versatile than that. One think about Michael and his nephew Cory is that the always had a game plan and put a premium on winning over looking good. Leon didn't have the same ability and would just swarm and outwork guys. He paid dearly for not have Michael's versatility.

 

The only matchup that would be more cruel is Foster vs Hearns.

Tommy might not get up at all when Bob hits him.

 

I agree on this one. Foster always looked for the KO and would catch Hearns with that hook. I'm really on the fence about Hearns power at 175. He no doubt could still crack but he never seemed particularly strong at 168 or 175. That is why in the other thread I think Froch would be able to out brawl/grind him down. Kind of like Barkley did. I could be wrong though. Hearns was special and special fighters find a way.

 

On the contrary. The way to fight Hearns was NOT to box him from the outside - it was to pressure him. Which Spinks would, cause like you said, he was smart. Why would Spinks elect to box Tommy when he's the bigger/physically stronger man, and when he knows Hearns has a fragile chin and can't handle the Jinx?

There isn't a whole lot to analyze in this fight. Tommy plain and simple would not be able to stay upright when Spinks lands his right hand. And land it he would... Tommy was no defensive genius.

The chances of Hearns going the distance with Michael Spinks is virtually none.

 

Great post!!! PERFECTLY WORDED!!!!!!

 

Would not surprise me one bit if Spinks caught him early like you say. I live in St. Louis and grew up boxing in the 80's and he was a hero of mine as a kid. I'm giving Hearns a lot of credit here and trying not to be too much of a homer. I just know how Micahel fought and he never really went looking for a KO in less it was there to be had easily. He did not like to take risks and I don't think he would go after Tommy.

 

He doesnt neccesarily HAVE to catch him early. Spinks had great stamina. Tommy did not. All the more reason why ain't no way Hearns is seeing the final bell.

 

Good point and you're probably right. First time ever on this forum that someone praised Michael Spinks more than me on a post. In my defense I have been drinking for the last few hours.