Because when he moved up to 175 he didn't really brawl as much. He knew he couldn't rely on power as much and he fought smarter and picked his shots more. He was a different fighter when he fought more defensively. Probably Spinks would win. I think Spinks beats most guys in 175 pound history. Foster vs. Spinks is a great fight. I would probably pick Spinks to beat Foster.
Roy would not handle Hearns power well either. Roy was quick and his speed could be a problem, but Hearns did not have as much problem with speed as much as brawling styles. If Tommy fought smart and used his jab I think he could land the right. Tommy would have to use that jab very well and concentrate. Jones had that nice leap in left hook, but that would be dangerous with Hearns. That is a case where neither guy could take too much punches from the other. Some might say Roy would land more because he was faster at 175, yet Hearns reach was longer and his right hand rarely missed. Roy would have to get Tommy out of there early or this would be a problem for Roy.
Well put. I believe it's because many casuals and younger fans have only the Tyson fight in their heads.
Hearns is a better all time great than Spinks..debatable I guess..but putting him in with Spinks at lt heavy is like putting Haglers chin in there with Tyson.
It is another topic. I also think Hearns wins against Roy. Only chance Roy is to win by KO.I do not see that happening because Roy is not the aggressive Hagler or Barkley type of fighter. Roy would fight a cautious fight, wary of the Hitman right hand and lose a UD in my opinion.
A lot of rubbish here. Hearns is the greater fighter pound for pound and also the better pure boxer.However, Hearns will likely get KOD in this fight.
Hearns was hardly better than Spinks. Dont confuse flash with actual effectiveness. Hearns was dynamic and exciting. Spinks was awkward and at times dull. But Spinks had a more complete skillset, and Spinks had a MUCH MUCH higher ring IQ. Tommy was no ring genius. Spinks could analyze his opponents far better and make adjustments to beat them. He was a better fighter than Hearns.
Spinks Jinx would win. Greatest Light Heavyweight in history. I put him above Archie Moore and Bob Foster.
Hearns was a master boxer. He outboxed Ray Leonard and Benitez. Hearns is universally recognized as the greater pound for pound fighter.
I love Hearns and Spinks, for me both are neck and neck in both greatness and ability. The fact that this is so, but Hearns is a Welterweight and Spinks naturally weighs about 20lbs more than him makes it virtually impossible to pick him here.
Hearns isnt universally recognized as greater than Spinks. WTF are you talking about? Michael Spinks is a top 20 ATG. Tommy is not.
spinks dull? I don't think so, he was a thinking fighter, adapted to any boxer, any problem. OK, Tyson ko'd him, coulda happened to anyone really. damn, just looking at him fighting you could see the wheels turning in his head. I think he would be his defensive self and pick his shots countering early. He would turn it on as the fight progressed and turn hearns into a real mess