Super Welterweights: Thomas Hearns vs Donald Curry

[elmersalsa]

In the "Battle of the Cobras", who wins? The Motor City Cobra vs The Lone Star Cobra?

The great Thomas Hearns fights WBA World Welterweight King Donald Curry in 1984 for The Hitman's WBC World Super Welterweight Title on the line. The winner fights the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

Hearns looked awesome against Luigi Minchillo, decapitated the great Roberto Duran, and destroyed Fred Hutchings, all title defenses in that year. Curry looked superb stopping number one contender Nino LaRocca from Italy.

None of the two were known for great chins, but pure boxing skill and power.

[dr_devious]

Hearns wins by brutal KO, especially at super welterweight. Curry was at his peak at welter but even then he wouldnt beat Tommy, who was arguably at his peak at SWW

[elmersalsa]

Hearns wins by brutal KO, especially at super welterweight. Curry was at his peak at welter but even then he wouldnt beat Tommy, who was arguably at his peak at SWW

Is this is another example of the great bigger man beating the smaller great one? Well, at least by 1984, Curry showed promising signs of greatness. What do you think of that, dr_devious?

[dr_devious]

Curry looked great up until the mid eighties when he came undone starting with Lloyd Honeyghan. He wasn't the same force in the higher division whereas Hearns was. Also to compete with Hearns, particularly at WW and SWW you'd need a cast iron chin which Curry didn't possess. Its not just about size, Tommy was better, had more longevity at the higher weights and carried freakish power especially at WW and SWW. No chance for Curry imo

[elmersalsa]

Curry looked great up until the mid eighties when he came undone starting with Lloyd Honeyghan. He wasn't the same force in the higher division whereas Hearns was. Also to compete with Hearns, particularly at WW and SWW you'd need a cast iron chin which Curry didn't possess. Its not just about size, Tommy was better, had more longevity at the higher weights and carried freakish power especially at WW and SWW. No chance for Curry imo

I see your point, dr_devious. How about both of them at 147lbs? The same outcome? Because Curry can bang and was great ring technician at WW. What you think a fight at 147 plays out?

I know one thing. I want it to see that fight in 1984. Two great champions testing their skills and power. Hearns in the Kronk gold trunks vs Curry in red trunks.

Do you remember when Curry devastated Hearns' stablemate Milton McCrory? I was just curious if Hearns wanted a revenge match.

[ClivePatrickLyons]

Curry would not beat hearns especially at that weight Hearns in 3

[elmersalsa]

Curry would not beat hearns especially at that weight Hearns in 3

I could see it happening, too. Hearns at super welterweight was a monster

[dr_devious]

I see your point, dr_devious. How about both of them at 147lbs? The same outcome? Because Curry can bang and was great ring technician at WW. What you think a fight at 147 plays out?

I know one thing. I want it to see that fight in 1984. Two great champions testing their skills and power. Hearns in the Kronk gold trunks vs Curry in red trunks.

Do you remember when Curry devastated Hearns' stablemate Milton McCrory? I was just curious if Hearns wanted a revenge match.

Agree that in the early to mid eighties Curry was very special at WW. Hypothetically a peak Curry v Hearns at WW would be a cracking match for a few rounds until Tommy landed the bomb. Bad match up for Curry stylistically

[littlepug]

hearns was practically a monster at any weight he fought at, theres not many you can say that about

[elmersalsa]

hearns was practically a monster at any weight he fought at, theres not many you can say that about

Especially at 154lbs. Man! he was something!

[scorpio83]

I was thinking the same thing, Hearns was the beast at Super Welterweight or Light Middleweight and yes he would have knock Don Curry out if they were in their prime.

[Bricks]

Hearns wins by brutal KO, especially at super welterweight. Curry was at his peak at welter but even then he wouldnt beat Tommy, who was arguably at his peak at SWW

Its hard not to see the 1984 hearns destroying many fighters through the ages.i can see him decapitating floyd mayweather, crushing terry norris,kayoeing canelo in 2 ,putting away mosley.

But i have a hunch curry at his peak had the boxing skills and DEFENCE to do a benitez against tommy only better and curry had greater power.

But currys alarming losses to curry ( dead at weight,treacherous manager fkng his mind), mccallum ( 4 seconds of out of character defensive lapse that changed a career) and jacquot ( just insane result)......mean thats what people will see.

Curry had no fear of anyone.until he got old v jones no one ever outboxed mccallum for 4 and a half rounds or rocked him like curry.

Even totally shot he outboxed nunn and terry norris at times.

I take curry over 15 in a mild upset

[campfire]

I would put my last dollar on Hearns by Ko probably early round 2

[elmersalsa]

It's hard for me to envision someone beating the great Thomas Hearns at 154lbs. Maybe the great Mike McCallum would've beaten him, but, anybody else at 154, beating him? Can't see it.

[Ezzard]

I really doubt Curry would be KO'd in the first half of the fight.

He had a great defence and at some point he would land something of note on Tommy. I still expect a Hearns victory. But probably on points.

[Nile4000]

At 154, Curry was not as impressive as he was at 147. Still, he might last until the sixth or seventh round against Thomas based on his high skill set. Hearns will kayo him just like Bobby Joe Young possibly would have at 147.

[palooka]

If the tough Mark Medal could go 8 it may be that Curry could go another 4. I don't think Don would get on the front foot enough to win on points - it'd be a very nervy bout for Curry fans though there haven't been many boxer as skilled at slipping a long jab and countering hard. Tommy Could whack some though and if he half landed a rocket right hand then Don would be down and hurt