Which technical boxer would have the best chance against Thomas Hearns between 147-175lbs

I'd put good money on Leonard to stop him in about 14.

 

I think a fighter with a strong, accurate jab and a strong chin to take the incoming. I'd like a versatile guy with a mixed attack who can go to the body as well as the head. I think somebody like Hopkins or Golovkin might be problematic for Hearns. Monzon is another guy who might rob Hearns of his own jab and mess up Tommy's attack with his creation of space.

Then there's the outliers like Jones and Calzaghe who could make life difficult with their sheer speed and volume. Jones might have the ability to counter Hearns coming in and Calzaghe's unorthodox footwork and swarming style might well stifle Hearns' boxing skillset.

It goes without saying that I don't think you could count Hearns out against anybody, he was a superb fighter.

 

You should specify a little more. I get what you’re saying but the replies don’t suggest others do.

Essentially, which fighters, if any, would be about to strictly “out-box” him? Not relying on power, strength, roughhousing, etc. Just straight up boxing technique to out-point him.

 

We do? Do you want it alphabetically or chronologically?

 

Yes, that's how I saw it, too. There are loads who'd beat him in that weight range but not many would slick a decision out withot having to resort to power or roughhousing.

I think they'd have to be tall. No shorter boxer does it so rule out the likes of Kalambay or Giardello (not to say they couldn't win but they might have to fight in a way they hadn't before).

Maybe a tall southpaw like Keith Holmes or Michael Nunn? I don't even think Robinson would box his way to a decision vs Tommy. He'd have to get down and dirty at some point otherwise he's giving Tommy an advantage.

 

Burley and MW Charles would both embarrass Hearns and easily outbox him

 

I thought Virgil Hill was the guy to outjab him maybe, but Hearns jab was better than Hills which is why he took away Hills best weapon. It is hard. You have to take away the jab and it takes a little physicality to get to Tommy or to counter him when he is going wild. But if a fighter is defensive, that might make Tommy sit back and use his jab, then it becomes a tough long fight for his opponent.

 

LOL

 

Are you basically saying guys that couldn't punch or were not known as punchers ? To me there is a world of difference in Hearns effectiveness at 147 - 154 and then up .. however , his victory over Hill was impressive .. I'd say Nunn and Hopkins could beat him .. if we include guys that could punch I'd pick Jones in a minute, Toney and Monzon too .. I'd have liked to see Hearns vs Cal and Conteh ..

 

I picked McCallum to beat him last week...so I guess I will stick with that as my pick