Tommy Hearns vs James Toney @ 160

I have been watching a lot of film on both of these guys and think a fight at 160 would have been fascinating. Hearns best was at 147, maybe 154, but he was still a pretty formidable middleweight who was tall, had good speed and still packed a decent punch. I go back and forth on if I would rather see Tommy fight Mike McAllum at 154, or Toney at 160, but right now my he Toney fight is more interesting/appealing.

I see Toney having the advantage in strength and chin, but losing out in the speed and power departments (though not by much because he had a good punch at 160 and Hearns wasn't the killer here that he was at the lighter weights). I see this fight going similar to Toney's fight vs Nunn where Tommy keeps moving behind the jab while Toney is his usual slick self and counters when possible and chips away at the body. I can see Toney winning by late stoppage or Tommy holding on for a close decision win after fading late.

Anyone see anything different or something I missed???

I'd take in shape Toney. Hearns isn't going to knock him out and I think Toney lands that counter right at some point and probably takes a late TKO.

Toney was a nasty boxer/puncher and a terrific finisher at that weight.

Toney would have found that chin eventually. Remember how nicely Toney handled G Man in sparring? It would be similar.

Hearns, in my opinion, was a little faster and used more lateral movement than G-Man did n I think that is what would've caused Toney so many problems. I hear u on the counter right catching him n stopping him late though. Definitely a possibility.

Would've loved to have seen Toney vs Hagler @ 160 n Hearns vs Mcallum @ 154 as well. I think style wise Toney matches up better with Haglers aggression than Hearns speed and lateral movement. This is not to say Hagler wasn't fast or a great boxer, just that I think with both of their tough guy personalities and insults Hagler would've thrown that out to prove a point. I feel that this style and mentality would've given James a great chance to slip and counter his way to a close or tough decision. As proven in some of his fights (Tiberi, Reggie Johnson, Drake Thadzi), James could be inconsistent throughout the fight and get outhustled so Hagler could have very well won in this manner also.

Mcallum was a beast in my opinion and where I think Toney would've struggled with Hearns' style, I think the Body Snatcher would've excelled. I think his chin and boxing ability keep him in this fight, and that his excellent body attack and solid punch at 154 would allow him to take over late and perhaps score a stoppage against Hearns. Both would've been amazing fights.

Tommy decides the outcome. If he fights smart he wins easily. But Tommy wasn't one to avoid making a boxing match into a fight. And there lies his weakness

Ron, I was thinking the same thing. Both r great fighters, and while 160 was a better weight for Toney, I think the style match up makes this fight Hearns' to lose. Who knows though, James was very slick and great with the counter right. His body attack was underrated as well and the left hook he used to beat Nunn was vicious and a definite fight changer.

Hearns could fight smart and out box Tobey like he did with Benitez.

McCallum was probably the best light middle ever he had it all. Great conditioning, boxing brain, solid chin, body work and resilliance. I think he would beat Hearns at the weight.

McCallum would have made mince meat out of Hearn's ribcage.

If Hearns doesn't knock Toney out (an in shape Toney) within the first six, he will most likely wear down and Toney stops him in the 11th or 12th.

Hearns was never built to go the distance.... for some reason, he just can't fight a hard full 12 rounds. Toney would make him fight a full, hard 12 rounds.

If anyone could knock Toney out it would be Hearns.

I think Toney's iron chin and insane defence made him unknockoutable.

Guys still can't knock him out and he's a brain damaged mid 40's fat man.

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Originally Posted by Beanflicker

I think Toney's iron chin and insane defence made him unknockoutable.

Guys still can't knock him out and he's a brain damaged mid 40's fat man.

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I know but if anyone could it would be Hearns. Could Tobey survive the right hand that hit Duran or that he broke when he hit Hagler?

Tommy was a great puncher, especially at 147 and 154, but not as devastating at 160 and above. James Toney, fat and out of shape, took Sam Peters punches at heavyweight, Holyfield at heavy, Jirov at cruiser, prime Roy at 168, and Mcallum at 160 (flush) and was not stopped. I just can't see Hearns stopping him.