BoxRec

12 (or 15) Rounds WBA Light Heavyweight Title

We know that Thomas "Hitman" Hearns ended Virgil "Quicksilver" Hill's first WBA Light Heavyweight title reign by getting the better of the Quicksilver behind his greater jabs and landing right hands to take a decision. Then, the Hitman would end up losing his WBA Light Heavyweight title in a rematch with Iran "The Blade" Barkley by decision.

However, what if had Hill beat Hearns and had face Barkley instead, imo Hill would pull the Sumbu Kalambay by outboxing the Blade behind his quick jabs and combinations to take a decision like Kalambay did with Barkley for the vacant WBA Middleweight title. What do you guys think and who do you got?

I think Virgil takes a UD in this one.

Virgil by a lopsided UD I think. There'd be some close rounds and anytime Barkley is able to get Hill into exchanges it may be 50/50 for the moment, but Hill would spend most of the fight using lateral movement and jabbing the bejesus out of Barkley.

Barkley would be swinging and missing a lot of overhand rights.

Interesting "What if" scenario.

That said, I think stylistically this match-up favours Hill.

Hill UD.

Based on the specific styles elements I'd go with Virgil Hill in this specific hypothetical.

Even though Hearns beat Hill and Barkley beat Hearns, twice, I think that Hill methodically outboxes Barkley and
Avoids getting hit very directly with a Very Big Punch.

Hill very likely wins a 7-4-1 or 7-5 type of decision in a 12 rounder.

This is the only fight that makes me believe that Styles Make Fights rules. I don't know why. But, Virgil Hill would outbox Iran Barkley for a comfortable 12 rounds decision.

Hill fights Thomas Hearns in a rematch, and Hearns beats him again by decision.

Barkley fights Hearns for the third time, and Barkley got Hearns' number again.

And remember, I am not a fierce believer in Styles Make Fights crap, but this triangle of fighters, Styles Make Fights works in this scenario. I don't know why.