I expect everybody to automatically say Ward, but I don't think late 80s Hill is an easy fight for Ward at all. At distance, Hill had faster hands than Ward and a better jab - that alone is a problem for Dre. Granted, Ward was much more adept as an infighter, and that's the range he would have to bring it. In a long distance chessmatch, I give Hill an excellent chance of winning.
good fight, you are right in that Hill was a very very good fighter at his peak. I'd still lean to Ward but just slightly
I think Hill may get off to an early lead before Ward takes it inside and finishes strong to take the decision.
Damn, I clicked on the thread thinking that everyone would say Hill. I know I would. I think Hill's reach advantage and jab is the key. Ward lacked the firepower to take it away from Hill, and didn't really have the style to negate Hill's movement.
I don't have a problem with a Hill pick. I could see it. I wouldn't pick Dre over many of the light heavyweight greats - Hill might be one of the only ones.