Following ´The Showdown´ in 1981, much was made of Hearns coming in weak at 140, and a see-saw fight, but Leonard got the stoppage late. If Leonard hadn´t retired 10 months later and we had a rematch, again at 147.....who wins and why?
I think Leonard only wins 1 in 3 fights with Hearns. In a way I feel Leonard was fortunate to win the first fight as it is. Hearns is a bad stylistic matchup for Leonard but credit to Leonard for adjusting and realizing that his only shot at beating Tommy was to risk being knocked out himself and just go after him. That fight is why Leonard is GREAT imo. He met s guy that he couldn’t beat on paper and found a way to do it
I think Leonard’s ability to adapt is the difference. Hearns probably grabs another early lead, but Ray at some point adjusts again and gets going. He either wins another late stoppage or a close majority decision.
