Tommy Hearns, The Thread

By that standard though (giving a 50% chance or better of defeating an optimal welter version of Hearns), nobody passes muster except McCallum (who tops out at like 51% ) and Robinson. So those would be the only two I'd click, if the wording of the poll is to be read as "the following beat him, statistically, more often than not".

El Feo and Burley, somewhere around 40ish maybe? So no click for them either, although they're my strong runners-up.

 

Well, yeah, that was my rationale for choosing Robinson and not any of the others. If I couldn't see it as at least 50/50 then I wasn't choosing anybody.

 

I gotta say I can't drink from that coolaid GC.

Walker shares very few similarities with Barkley in physical dimensions or stylistically.

He is one of if not the strongest welterweights to ever lace them up. Anyone who would dare brawl or battle him on the inside would usually get gobbled up.
But he did show some issues with disciplined boxer-punchers who kept the fight away from his favoured distance.

 

One of the best threads I've seen in here for ages. Enjoying the Hearns love!! Some who weren't even born at the time understand just how great and important the Benitez win was!!! So many snub their noses at it.

 

If only everyone who started a thread put as much effort in as @George Crowcroft. It'd reduce the number of heavyweight hypotheticals to about zero.

 

Monzon should have been an option

 

Very true Jel.

 

Lol

 

He tried it against Monzon early in their fight. Put the pressure on and exploded with two fisted volleys of scythe like hooks trying to catch him with something big early. It didn’t work because Monzon played defense and rode out the storm. Hearns wouldn’t have reacted that way. He’d have engaged.

That’s Napoles’ best shot. An early fire fight. Probably his only shot. I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if it worked, though. Not that I’d count on it, but I think that strategy gives him an honest chance. Gimme 5/1 odds and I’d put some money down.

 

Both Sugar Rays

Mickey Walker (sorry @George Crowcroft)

The last WW I'd favour over him, I'm not sure how popular a pick this is, but Carmen Basilio.

And I tell you what, had he not iced Duran, I'd swear blind Duran would have beaten him. But he did ice him. So I won't.

 

Agreed, I actually think Hearns peaked at 154 and I have him a little more vulnerable at 147 against some of the great 147 pounders