Robinson probably would be well-suited to 154. Some have even made the speculative claim that, had the weightclass existed, it would've proven his best division. That's just speculation, though, & I class Hearns as the #2 154lber of all-time (head-to-head), with a definite case available for him to be number-one. One of two class of fighters Robinson seemed to struggle with were fighters with size on him. Hearns didn't have the weight or strength to bully Robinson (ala LaMotta, Fullmer, or Maxim), but he did bring to the table height & punching range. He had oh-so-much power, but Robinson, like Ali in later years, proved to be a whole lot more than flash-&-sizzle. He's more versatile than Hearns, no slower, & has a better arsenal of punches. Superior lungs, & a plainly greater boxing brain...& yet, I can see problems with Hearns' reach surfacing. Not enough to steal the fight, though. Give me Robinson in a reasonably-competitive affair, with a clean-cut, ten-count KO in the ninth.
I can see this being similar in pattern to the Leonard fight with Hearns outboxing a guy wholly unaccustomed to being in that position. The difference being that the pattern can't and won't last as long since Robinson is every inch Hearns equal in the power department. Robinson by KTFO 8 while about 5-2 behind on the cards and after being hurt badly more than once.
I think Robinson via 12th round KO. He would probably be outboxed from long range for a long period of time but he would gradually close the gap down and rip hooks to the body and head and Hearns would eventually fall. BUT...... Hearns does have a chance at a mid rounds stoppage himself. Robinson had been dropped and nearly KO'd by the likes of Tommy Bell and Artie Levine. Hearns has a chance but I still go with Robinson all the way.
Robinson wins after the 10th while behind on the cards..But Hearns is a live underdog and a win for him wouldn't surprise me.
