When did weight really start to tell on these awesome fighters who fought in a few divisions as they got older and gain weight? At why point did they stop being considered in the top of the lb for lb, or even a viable title contender. Toney Duran Hearns SRL Greb Jones Donaire Walcott Whitaker
Some of the guys weren't beset by weight problems, they just decided to move up for money and competition. Duran and Toney were basically always beset by weight problems. They had a lot of trouble making their natural weights balooning up between fights and then moving up. They still fought effectively at the higher weights but their frames limited how well they carried the weight. Duran's frame meant he could carry up to about 157 lbs and look fit. Toney looked fit up to 168 lbs. Above those weights, both guys had the skills - defense, rolling with punches, and good chins, to still compete ---but their movement and speed was compromised. Duran was effective up to about 162 lbs. Toney fought somewhat effectively at Heavyweight but it was clear he was way over the weight his natural frame supported effectively. But, he was so skilled he beat some decent competition while looking like the Michelin Man. Whitaker and Hearns moved up but did it in a comfortable manner. Whitaker was effective up to 154 lbs. Hearns was effective up to 190lbs I think though above 175 lbs, Hearns lost some of his speed and movement Jones easily moved up to 195 lbs (Crusier really) but faltered when he shed 20 pounds of muscle to go back down to 175 lbs Leonard's limit as probably 168. He fought effectively at Middleweight and Super Middleweight.
