Tommy Hearns??

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by DJN16, Dec 7, 2014.


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  1. DJN16

    DJN16 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I was discussing boxing greats the other night when out running with a man who had around a dozen pro fights.

    We discussed what elements of a fighter was missing or could have been better that possibly prevented them being the best ever.
    I never slated Hearns chin, it was still better than many pros, but if he could hold a shot like say a La Motta, Robinson or a Basillo....could Hearns have been a contender for p4p of all time?

    I believe so.....

    I know this is like saying yeah but if A could have this, B could have that and C whatever but lets discuss please?
     
    DJN16, Dec 7, 2014
    DJN16, Dec 7, 2014
    #1
  2. Brixton Bomber

    Brixton Bomber Obsessed with Boxing banned Full Member

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    He is anyway, regardless of his ability to take a shot.

    Now if you put Tommy and an iron jaw together, how can you beat him? He was insanely difficult to beat in his absolute pomp anyway.
     
    Brixton Bomber, Dec 7, 2014
    Brixton Bomber, Dec 7, 2014
    #2
  3. DJN16

    DJN16 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yeah exactly, he was an excellent fighter. He was beating Ray Leonard before the stoppage, credit to Ray, but if Tommy had an iron jaw good chance he sees out the storm. Same against Hagler.

    Mind you probably what made these fights so memorable was the fact Tommy had a slight vulnerability at times.
     
    DJN16, Dec 7, 2014
    DJN16, Dec 7, 2014
    #3
  4. FastHands(beeb)

    FastHands(beeb) Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Manny Steward said that if Thomas had had the balance of SRL he'd have clearly been the best of the Fab 4.

    I don't have the source for this quote but it's just something I remember reading that just stuck with me.
     
    FastHands(beeb), Dec 7, 2014
    FastHands(beeb), Dec 7, 2014
    #4
  5. Dubblechin

    Dubblechin Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    ****
     
    Dubblechin, Dec 7, 2014
    Dubblechin, Dec 7, 2014
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  6. N_ N___

    N_ N___ Boxing Addict Full Member

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    It's not that his chin was bad as much as it is that he fought stupidly. He didn't clinch against Leonard and didn't box against Marvin. Both fights were winnable.
     
    N_ N___, Dec 7, 2014
    N_ N___, Dec 7, 2014
    #6
  7. pablod

    pablod Active Member Full Member

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    hearns had a decent chin but he was a gunslinger and exposed it every now and then. give him a marcos villasana type chin and hearns probably would've got past leonard. not sure about hagler who was versatile and outstandidng. be a great fight if they had similar resistance.
     
    pablod, Dec 7, 2014
    pablod, Dec 7, 2014
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  8. DJN16

    DJN16 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yeah I read that as well, think it was in Tommy's biography, some fighter. The fact he could outbox Leonard for long periods said a lot. He was a good amateur but did not develop his power until the pros which came from his unique leverage for a welterweight fighter.
     
    DJN16, Dec 7, 2014
    DJN16, Dec 7, 2014
    #8
  9. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    If Hearns had been born with an iron chin, he would probably have gone all the way to heavyweight!
     
    janitor, Dec 7, 2014
    janitor, Dec 7, 2014
    #9
  10. stevo1966

    stevo1966 Member Full Member

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    A better protected chin would have served Tommy better. The way he fought Benitez at 154 is a great example of his excellent boxing skills. The numbing power was less exceptional outside of light-middle. Thing is though, if he did box that way, his fights wouldn't be half as exciting. I liked the Hitman better than the motor city cobra!
     
    stevo1966, Dec 8, 2014
    stevo1966, Dec 8, 2014
    #10
  11. Warwick Hunt

    Warwick Hunt Active Member Full Member

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    He must have been a nightmare for all those mid weight fighters. 6'1" with a 78' reach. Good boxing ability.A great jab with a concussive right hand waiting for you if you managed to slip inside the jab,the left hook wasn't bad either.
    Likes been said a rock solid chin probably would have made him a genuine threat for the ATG Number 1.
     
    Warwick Hunt, Dec 8, 2014
    Warwick Hunt, Dec 8, 2014
    #11
  12. young griffo

    young griffo Boxing Addict Full Member

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    One of the most dangerous and lethal offensive fighters of all time.

    Elite skills, lightening hand speed, devastating power and a true killer instinct. It was fortunate he was slightly chinny otherwise he would have needed to be locked up.

    One of the best fighters of all time I'd say but with a flaw that made him even more eminently watchable.
     
    young griffo, Dec 8, 2014
    young griffo, Dec 8, 2014
    #12
  13. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    And been virtually unbeatable or at least in any class below heavy.
     
    mr. magoo, Dec 8, 2014
    mr. magoo, Dec 8, 2014
    #13
  14. DJN16

    DJN16 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I do not think you could have described Tommy Hearns any better, that quote is a fitting tribute to the legendary Hitman.
     
    DJN16, Dec 8, 2014
    DJN16, Dec 8, 2014
    #14
  15. Brixton Bomber

    Brixton Bomber Obsessed with Boxing banned Full Member

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    Beautifully put, sir! You've really nailed it there mate. :good:good
     
    Brixton Bomber, Dec 8, 2014
    Brixton Bomber, Dec 8, 2014
    #15
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