Michael Nunn vs The Fab Four in Late '87

[keithmoonhangover]

On the cusp of his first shot at a world title, how would Michael Nunn have faired against the four legends.

Instead of boxing Darnell Knox, Nunn fights Leonard six months after Hagler. Your prediction?

Or Nunn takes on Hagler on the same date in October 87. Who ya got?

Instead of Hearns fighting Roldan, Nunn. What's your pick?

Or Duran doesn't fight Gimenez, but steps in with Nunn. How do you see it going?

[elmersalsa]

I think that Thomas Hearns would have been his toughest test.

[Ezzard]

Duran was too old to chase fleet-footed boxers by that point. He loses a lop-sided decision.

Nunn might have shocked Hagler and got a tight win on the cards or lost in a close controversial decision.

Maybe the same thing with Ray. Nunn was younger, fresher and bigger.

Hearns had the power and skills. But he was shaky by this point. An accurate shot late in a fight might have seen him unravel.

[bwu]

I was a big Nunn fan back then and really thought he might've become an all-time great.

Late '87? He's too big and fast for Duran. I think he slides by a faded Hagler. Upsets were possible with Sugar Ray and Hearns, but both of them still had something left. I agree that Hearns would've been his biggest test (based on styles). Nunn loses to those two.

All fights end in decisions, not knockouts.

[goose 5]

Nunn-Ray Leonard would have been very interesting. I'd take Nunn based on size, youth and speed. Decision. Nunn-Duran would have been an awful match for Duran.

[Ambling Alp II]

In late 1987, Nunn was still an inexperienced fighter. He had been a pro for less than 3 years. He had not beaten anyone at all. He probably would have got by Duran at that point, but I wouldn't go any further.