What can I say Walsh? I'm just too controversial for some people's tastes. Too imaginative with the wisecracks which is exactly what got me into trouble with a particular writer. So the moderator felt he had no choice but to come in with a warning. I ignored the warning fully anticipating that I would get cut the next time.
I couldn't resist, the mod didn't approve and I was banned.
Ray Leonard? I did pick Ray this time around to short out Tommy's senses
had a rematch been arranged in 82. Perhaps a bit too soon for Hearns.
Tommy did have some weakness-not enough work on defense-very careless; left hand dangling at his side, inability to clinch, and chin left exposed.
I think someone here mentioned that Tommy needed better training. I'm surprised Emmanual didn't know what Tommy needed work on and even more of a problem with the weight being down 145. That didn't help him in the later rounds where he floundered.
Bringing the fight up to 1984 where I felt Thomas peaked, I would favor Tommy despite his flaws. He seemed so much stronger than he was at 147. Many fans have been bowled over with his freak like attributes at 147 but you knew he had to have some weakness that wouldn't show up fighting the likes of Pablo Baez, Randy Shields, and Luis Primera.
So you could say that only Ray Leonard among all the opponents was good enough to expose and capitilize on flaws in his style. Only Ray Leonard had the speed and precision to counter Hearns with a left hook flush on the chin. he needed a bit more time to wear him out and complete the job but I thought he was a worthy champion. he did unify the title so there's not much else you could ask from him.
I wish he hadn't quit the ring when he did and cast doubts on his in and out appearances-he had what I would call one of the more conspicuous careers that I've seen.
That's pretty much as far as my assessment of Leonard goes. In my view, he had the beginnings of greatness while Hearns was just reaching his peak in 84. I was really impressed how he bulked up- a real specimen. I think he was a better balanced fighter than from before he departed from the welters.
My gut feeling is that Tommy would have been too dangerous a fight for him to take at the time especially when comparing the two about one month apart; Leonard against Kevin Howard and Tommy vs. Duran.
Of course, that was just one fight Ray had for his comeback. There's no rule that says Leonard could not improve on what he showed against kevin.
Anyways, to make a long story short, I felt Tommy was better suited at 154 than Leonard and that now the tables would be turned because this time around it was Tommy that had the edge in strength.
As for the other things I said about him I seem to recall it was over a debate between Leonard and Norris but that's another story.
Adios friend. Nice talking to you and I'll be seing you soon.
