Tommy Hearns v Lamotta

Hearns was by far the more consistent performer over the course of his career. Unless you want to count Uriah Grant at cruiserweight late, late in Tommy’s run he just didn’t lose to below-world-class fighters.

LaMotta, on the other hand, lost frequently to more pedestrian competition. And a lot of his ‘best wins’ are when he came in over 160 pounds and was fighting welterweights who would be in the mid 150s or even high 140s (and not just Robinson) — often he carried a weight advantage of 8-10 pounds or more.

And we know a great welter can beat him as Robinson did it multiple times while much the smalller man. We also know Hearns can box — to the point that he was outboxing Ray Leonard. And he had enough power that however good Jake’s chin is, he has to respect the Hitman.

I say Hearns wins by UD with an outside chance of a cuts stoppage.

 

Most sensible post.

 

I'm not sure I see Hearns wilting later on unless LaMotta applies a lot of pressure early, and forces the pace and makes Tommy really uncomfortable.
The trick is though, that he'll be taking raking shots for that effort.

As tough as LaMotta was, he's going to be damaged from Hearns' punches. And Tommy had withering body punches too. How many boxers went in hard to LaMotta's body?

I guess the conventional wisdom would be Tommy by decision or LaMotta manages to grind him down.
I like Tommy here for the fact that he's got world-class boxing ability, world-class power and speed, he's long and tall, and LaMotta (I don't think) has the kind of power to get Tommy into trouble quickly.
Tough as Jake was, he's not walking Tommy down.

Whatever LaMotta does, and I think his options aren't many, he's taking hellfire for his efforts.
Hearns I think would be aggressive early, realize that LaMotta isn't folding easily, and settles to box.

 

10 rounds?
Hearns has a chance to eke out a decision.

12 or 15 rounds?
Lamotta by clean knockout. He would cut Hearns legs down. Jake wasn't a big puncher to the head. To the body he was. He was a hard and solid bodypuncher. Very rough, physical fighter who has infighting finesse that many didn't see. Hearns has no chance of knocking Lamotta out. He would break his hand first.
Jake was kinda tough. Couldn't find a worse guy to match Hearns up with. In a championship distance fight Jake Lamotta in brutal fashion. Everytime.

 

Short arms are an advantage inside.

 

Great post.

 

very similar to my perception as to how I see this fight, Jake has a chance, sure... little as it is.

LaMotta is a great, however, Overated fighter.

 

Jake would be Tommys nightmare opponant. Tom was weak at middle and constantly in trouble. He would break his hands on Jakes impenetrable chin in 1 or 2 takes Jakes fury to the body and fall in 5 rds. Easy peasy.

 

Is that a Corvette