I think Thomas IF he fights cautious and uses his jab like when he fought Virgil Hill. Start slow and fight conservatively he wins it. He has to win it with his jab and not his right hand to beat Bernard. But he could if he fought economical with his jab.
I'd certainly favour Hearns over a much older Hopkins and what some may consider his prime, however I think the B-Hop from the Glen Johnson fight would have a much better chance against Tommy. That educated offensive pressure May be to much for tommy to handle, especially in a 15 rounder, and although Tommy has a slight reach advantage, his overall physical advantage is no where near what he is used to it being around 154-160. On the other hand Tommy may be able to keep Hopkins on the end of his jab, not allowing Bernard to roughen him up on the inside. Tough one to call and I wouldn't want to put a bet down on either man.
I think it would depend on Tommy not doing his usual bombs away kind of fighting he started to do at middleweight. Before middleweight at 147 and 154 he used to use his jab and control fights better and land the right. Later he got more risky and was in more brawls
This is true and I think Bernards chin would be sturdy enough to stand up to Tommy's best shots and it's not like it's easy to catch Bernard clean on the chin. In fact it's been a rare sight throughout his whole career. If Tommy can contain himself from going guns blazing on Bernard I think he takes a competitive decision in an incredibly awkward fight, 9-6/8-4 depending on a 15/12 round fight, however like you mentioned, if he gets trigger happy and starts throwing bombs early on, I think he may get sparked by Bernard late on being caught off balance. Maybe not stopping Tommy, but giving enough for Bernard to edge him on points. I must say though, I doubt I'd pay to watch the fight for the entertainment value, unless it was a younger B-Hop.
Hearns definitley ! He's the better fighter with offence,hits harder and is the faster out of the two. Hopkins is cute enough to last the distance,though.
