Thomas Hearns vs Roberto Duran

Thanks for your insights. There is something, though, about a prime Leonard not being able to get to Duran. But Hearns would "spank that ass"? I'm not saying it wouldn't happen, but don't write off Duran's defensive prowess on the basis of one performance.

 

He should have done his celebrating and then come back to the ring in a more orderly fashion than within 5 months, considering the way he ballooned up in between fights.

If the contract he had with SRL, didn't allow his next fight to be someone else, then he would have been better off announcing his "retirement" and then come back when he was properly prepared.

There would have been no lack of interest in a rematch even a year later, and if SRL had fallen by the wayside, there would have been a big money fight on offer with Hearns.

 

Wrong style for Duran, Hearns was an agressive accurate and hard puncher.
Overall career wise Duran comes out on top. All those bubblegum belts they both won don't count for much, in their prime they were great.

 

Duran had a solid chin, what is amazing is that he went up to 168 in his 40s and still nobody could do to him what Hearns did.


Hearns was always a fast starter and Duran was sluggish that night and was just getting warmed up but Hearns never let him. He was hurt early on in the first round and Hearns just never let him recover. His speed, power and ferociousness was just too much.

If Duran came in better condition and more ready for a brawl from the first second, then obviously he would last longer, but I think style wise Hearns is a bad fight for him and would get him out of there the majority of the time.

 

Hearns beats any Duran but obviously the WW version of Roberto pre SRL II gives a far better account of himself, I just dont see him getting inside enough to accumulate enough damage to force a stoppage & Hearns would just dominate from the outside to either a clear decision or late TKO victory.

 

Duran would've been better off in '80 at 147 pounds but, in truth, Hearns was too tall, lanky, fast with a great right paw.......... Duran matches up poorly with Hearns anyway you slice it..........

MR.BILL:deal

 

How Hearns was able to make 147 to 154 at 6' 1" tall with a 78" wing-span is amazing in itself, and perhaps illegal in most countries...... Word.... Jesus.....

MR.BILL:admin:yikes

 

If my mind serves me correctly, Hearns was giving Barkley hell in the first fight, until he got hit with a wild shot out of left field. I also think Tommy eked out a decision in the second fight.

 

How old are you?:huhatsch

Hearns was winning in fight # 1 back in '88 before getting taken the hell out by the "Barker" in round 3.........

"Barkman" pressed, dropped and hammered his way to a dec. win over Hearns in 1992..........

MR.BILL:deal

 

Although it was Hearns' right hand that finisned him off, it was the left hook that won him the fight from the start..watch the fight again and you'll see what i mean...

 

I too saw how Hearns was hooking Duran well off the jab....... The height, reach and speed of Hearns was just too much for Duran....... Duran actually weighed a **** hair heavier than Hearns, but Hearns was by far the bigger man without a doubt........

MR.BILL:bbb

 

You can tell who knows their stuff are who's just showing up to agitate people.

Realistically Duran is the sort of guy you never count out in fantasy match ups but IMO? Hearns would beat him 9/10. Hearns is too long and too powerful for Duran. He might last longer but I don't think a WW or JMW Duran can outbox Hearns.