Thomas Hearns vs Mike McCallum at 154

I think Hearns. Much of the talk about Hearns and McCallum was made after Mike knocked out Curry in 1987. At that point Hearns had lost to Hagler and started to diminish and fight brawls. But the Hearns prior to Hagler at 154 was a fast guy who could box and punch and either outbox great boxers Benitez or knock out Duran. I think Hearns wins a UD at 154 prior to 1985. After 1985 like when he fought Mark Medal he struggles with McCallum

 

I think McCallum has a good shot in this bout. Durable, strong, and a shifty counter puncher who went to the body, McCallum can withstand Hearns' early onslaught and settle into grinding Chess match. Wearing Hearns down, who could be fragile and Chinny at times, McCallum had the power to KO anyone. And this could be another KO loss for Hearns.

 

I agree completely.Even though I like and respect Tommy-I respect McCallum but I don't like him-I believe(as you put)that Mike was far more durable.And I believe that would be the difference.

 

mccallum - no question

emanuel steward will let you tell it himself if
you ever got to meet him :good

hearns at 147-154 was a beast, but, mccallum
would take him out late.

 

McCallum stops Hearns ..

 

Hearns by UD

Tommy has the power to make McCallum respect him enough to be wary of going inside & I see Tommy outboxing him from the outside for the majority of the fight tbh. He`s just a better boxer IMO.

 

well, i'll let emanuel steward tell it himself:

that's emanuel steward talking about mike mccallum.
u gonna go against steward's word?

 

Hearns wouldn't be able to use his reach as effectively since McCallum had freakishly long arms. They actually had the same reach IIRC.

 

Sometimes, yes.

When it comes to Hearns, probably not.

Great quote.

 

McCallum. Late ko. Flash told me George Benton said McCallum was best he's trained.

 

perhaps steward's man crush for mccallum is some
what biased, but, i think i'll take it as a reference.
mccallum had great skill, can work the body and
had an iron chin. tommy was a beast (one of my
faves), but, i have to go with mccallum.

 

Why not? He's a trainer who used to watch the two spar together. He's no psychic, nor is he an especially skilled fight picker. In fact most of the time he has his head up his ass.

 

dude - unrelated, but, i gotta ask:

who is that chick in your avatar? every time you
post i get distracted lookin' at that donk