BoxRec

Two of the finest Welterweight and Multi-weight Champions of the modern era. But if they had met each other at Welterweight who wins?

Emile Griffith
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009017

Thomas Hearns
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000303

Could Hearns do to Griffith what he did to Duran, or would Griffith be too strong and clever for The Hitman and outpoint him?

Who wins fight fans?

Good one, Joe.

I think Griffith wins a 15 round decision. I see Griffith taking some punches to get inside and working the body with Hearns jabbing and winning the early rounds. Hearns's weak legs and stamina would be tested late, and Griffith does most of the late scoring to pull out the decision. I don't think Hearns could KO Griffith, but a KO would be the only way he beats Griffith. I can't see Hearns outboxing Griffith, despite the reach advantage and what he did against Leonard in the 1981 fight.

I think the only way Hearns loses at this weight is by KO. Although I think if both men took on the top 20 Welters that Emile would win more than Tommy I think Tommy wins a points decision in this match up.

Good hypothetical match.

I say Griffith by late TKO.

I see a similar fight to the 1st Leonard fight, although, I don't think Emile would have taken as many punches as Ray did.

Emile Griffith was a very clever boxer, with a solid chin and stamina, but at welterweight he never faced an opponent with Hearn's combination of handspeed, power and reach. I don't see Griffith being in this one for long. I think the Hitman would mark him up with his rapier like jab followed by plenty of right hand bombs. Griffith would only be able to withstand so much punishment before Hearns KO's him around the 8th round.

Hearns on points

I like Hearns to win a decision here.

gilgamesh wrote:I like Hearns to win a decision here.

So do I.

The great Emile Griffith might not be a great puncher, but he was very strong. He will get inside of the great Thomas Hearns and work the body. Pressure is the only way to beat The Hitman.