This is the next in my blog series ‘Mythical Matchups.’ The bout is between Thomas Hearns and Emile Griffith at middleweight. My imaginary bouts all take place at Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Arena in Las Vegas, with the great Mills Lane as the referee.
Thomas Hearns was born on October 18, 1958 in Grand Junction, Tennessee. His family moved to Detroit when he was five, and he began boxing as a teen. He had an amateur record of 155-8, and won a number of titles before turning professional. Thomas fought under manager Emanuel Steward, and knocked out his first 17 opponents as a pro. He won his first world title at welterweight by knocking out Pipino Cuevas in two rounds on August 2, 1980, then lost his belt to Sugar Ray Leonard the following September. Hearns also won titles at super-welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight, and became the first boxer to win four titles in four different weight classes.
Thomas Hearns was a great boxer, but is best known for his awesome punching power in either hand. The ‘Hit Man’ knocked out many of his toughest challengers, including James Shuler, Juan Roldan and Roberto Duran. Hearns was one of the most exciting fighters of the 80’s as well, and was rarely in a dull fight.
Emile Griffith was born on February 3, 1938 in the Virgin Islands. After winning the 1958 New York Golden Gloves 147 lb. Championship, he turned professional and would win world titles in three weight divisions. Griffith held the welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight championships, and finished his career with a record of 85-24-2, with 23 knockouts.
Griffith was a cagey and smart boxer, but didn’t carry a huge wallop. He won most of his bouts by decision, but had great stamina and heart, and deserves his ranking amongst boxing’s all-time best.
In my matchup between the two fighters, I see Griffith giving Thomas because of his boxing skills for 5 or 6 rounds. To me, Tommy’s punching power proves to be too much, especially since he can walk through Emile’s blows. After systematically breaking down Griffith to the body, Tommy takes him out. Hearns in 8.
This is my blog and my opinion, but it’s all in fun and for entertainment purpose. As much as I enjoy writing my blog, I hope you like reading it. Thanks to all who do, and I’ll keep doing what I do.
Both men are much deserved members in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. Emile Griffith died on July 23, 2013, while Thomas Hearns is still in the public eye at 67. Today’s boxing landscape is void of greats like Hearns and Griffith, and boxing will never be as great as it once was.
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