Quote Originally Posted by Sweet Pea
Quote Originally Posted by halo
Most championship fights then were fifteen rounders. I opine that PBF has to knock-out any of the three during the early rounds or else he will be in trouble during the championship rounds (remember, we take into consideration the mindset of each fighter during his prime). Those rounds you are slower, very difficult to evade so you have to fight (please look at fights of that era and you will see what I mean). Even Ali, tired and slowed down during those rounds.

Prime Duran vs. Prime PBF - Duran's prime was not when he fought Leonard. Watch his earlier fights. He was a scrapper...much faster and meaner. Verdict - if Duran survives the 7th, he picks PBF apart.

Prime Sugar Ray vs. Prime PBF - very difficult to decide (mirror image). Who has more heart will be the final decider. Both men are pure boxers. Sweet science applies to both. I have it even going to the 8th. I do not think PBF nor Ray can knock each other out before the eight. A lucky punch or better conditioning will decide.

Prime Hearns vs. Prime SRL - Hearns does have the speed and power to knock PBF during the early rounds. A repeat of the SRL - Hearns fight (which SRL won). Question is, will PBF have the heart to go toe-to -toe with the Hitman during the championship rounds like leonard did?
I think you're giving PBF a little too much credit. IF Duran makes the 7th? Are you kidding? WHat the hell could PBF possibly do to make it so Duran doesn't survive the 7th? PBF has problems with guys like Jesus Chavez and Castillo and you think he has a chance with Duran? AT least you said Duran wins though.

PBF is way more defensive than a prime SRL at 147, and SRL is bigger, more powerful, and just as quick, but let his hands go more and was plain and simple better at that weight. SRL has tyhe ability to put PBF out, PBF can't say the same.

There is no way on this planet or any other PBF beats Hearns. There is just no way. It took a great pressure fighter or someone with a lot of power who might land a big shot to beat Hearns, and PBF was neither. Hearns by KO.
Duran in known to be a late round fighter right? Very durable. So he takes it easy. I am sure he can weather anything PBF can throw. Remember I said "if". That is a BIG IF he he he. My forecast would be Prime Duran (pre SRL fight) with his work rate will win against PBF via KO or decision.

I have to agree that SRL lets his hands go more than PBF. And he was never afraid to fight the best there is. Never ducked anyone. Very little politics then at those weight levels. Still if PBF will not commit, it will be one boring fight to watch and a difficult one to judge, wouldn't it? This is where the championship rounds play a major role. Both will be tired and both will have to commit. And we both know who has more experience in that territory, both in conditioning and in committing.

Thomas Hearns will not allow you to dictate the fight. You have to commit with him or he imposes his will. So I agree it would be very difficult for PBF to win other than a decision. And we would know what that would mean with a Hearns PBF fight. A lot of pot shots and movement and holding. Only Hearns knows what to do when a boxer tries to run away. Watch his fights and see how he corners his opponent and flail away. Actually, Duran has the same style, only rougher and meaner.