Beter needs to have more than just 15 fights (and more than just one big fight) in order to be properly assessed in these kind of matchups.
Agreed. But given the fact he was dropped by some scrub like Callum Johnson (sorry George), I don't see why he should be a lock over Tommy. It's hard to say how he deals with Hearns' power and handspeed, because well... he really hasn't fought anybody.
I agree with Ring Leader. Hearns was still pretty good at 175 and it isn't garanteed that Beterbiev would be able to land a good shot on him. On the other hand, Hearns would land without a doubt, and probably a lot. I lean towards Hearns until we get more answers about Beterbiev.
I agree with the general premise - and TBH, I wholeheartedly agree with it - but I don't think it's strictly fair to label Johnson a scrub. I'd rate him as a top five light-heavyweight right now. Although, that's not saying much since it's clearly in its worst state since the late 60/early 70s. Even still though, Johnson can't be labelled a complete scrub IMO. But like I said, I do agree that Beterbiev's chin is somewhat suspect due to that KD.
For me, this is Beterbiev's fight to lose. He's much bigger, and he's an awful style for Hearns. Imagine if Barkley hit even harder, was even bigger, stronger, tougher, with better skills and was better at breaking people down. I really do think it's an awful match-up got Tommy. But obviously, he has his power and Beterbiev's chin hasn't been the best by the best hitter it's faced. I think Hearns' one-punch power, and - more importantly - combinations give him a good chance here. He was truly devastating vs Andries, and brilliant vs Hill. To me, this match up has the "old man turns back the clock once last time". Tommy has everything against, and is seemingly at the end of the road. I can see him pulling out every trick in the book, and really lacing Beterbiev with uppercuts and crosses at every opportunity, and hooking to the body at the end of every exchange. He can win, but like I said, it's Beterbiev's fight to lose. Gun to my head, Beterbiev. But with good odds? I'd wager Hearns pulls a shock-upset.
Im not sold on betterbiev, but he seems like a terrible matchup for hearns at 175. Hearns fragility tends to be overstated, but it still hard to imagine him surviving long against a bomber like Betterbiev at 175. Sure, he might catch Betterbiev first, but i still think hes a solid underdog in that one
For some weird reason i thought you were talking about jeff page jr, whom also floored Betterbiev. Haven't seen enough of Johnson to rste hin
