Tommy Hearns vs Carmen Basillio at WW

**Wild Blue Yonda** · 02-24-2011, 12:51 AM

I have a su****ion you'll find a lot of love coming in for Hearns here --- & I cannot really begrudge that --- but this is a fight I would race to the bookies to put some green on Basilio, given how likely it woud be most would back Hearns, & back him big.

We should know in the first few rounds what kind of fight we would be seeing. If Basilio can withstand Hearns' punch, he's in this upto his eyeballs. I can hardly think of another Welter in all of history I'd give a chance against Hearns fighting Basilio's style of fight (maybe Mickey Walker?), but Basilio was a special, special fighter. Absurdly durable & bitterly determined, I have no doubt, none, he could hurt Hearns & break him down far more brutally than Leonard's punches did in 1981. However, Hearns had more than power in his corner, he would do a lot of damage (be it to Basilio's equilibrium, or on the scorecards) with his long, spearing jab, & edge in handspeed & range.

I think I would favour Hearns here, but Basilio would be irresistable as a betting option.

**The_Demon** · 02-24-2011, 04:13 AM

Good post WBY.Their are only a handful of fighters i would give a fair chance of beating hearns at welterweight and Basilio could be one of them,he was incredibly tough,id still make tommy the favourite due too his power and overall boxing ability but i dont think its an easy nights work for him

**IronDanHamza** · 02-24-2011, 03:59 PM

Does anyone else think Hearns might fade down the stretch against Basillo?

Blackirish and I were having a discussion recently about Tommy Hearns' stamina and we both agreed his stamina seemed to fade more at WW than anywhere else. Does anyone think this may be a problem with Basillo's determination? I actually think it might.

Basillo has a cleat shot IMO.

But it would be one hell of a fight. A competitive one, IMO.

**Scott9945** · 02-24-2011, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by IronDanHamza

Does anyone else think Hearns might fade down the stretch against Basillo?

Blackirish and I were having a discussion recently about Tommy Hearns' stamina and we both agreed his stamina seemed to fade more at WW than anywhere else. Does anyone think this may be a problem with Basillo's determination? I actually think it might.

Basillo has a cleat shot IMO.

But it would be one hell of a fight. A competitive one, IMO.

I would certainly agree that Basilio's chances would be best in the late rounds. If he isn't too beat up or far behind by then he could pull off the win.

**Wild Blue Yonda** · 02-24-2011, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by IronDanHamza

Does anyone else think Hearns might fade down the stretch against Basillo?

Blackirish and I were having a discussion recently about Tommy Hearns' stamina and we both agreed his stamina seemed to fade more at WW than anywhere else. Does anyone think this may be a problem with Basillo's determination? I actually think it might.

Basillo has a cleat shot IMO.

But it would be one hell of a fight. A competitive one, IMO.

Unquestionably. Basilio has the rounds in the bank as far as enduring obscene punishment goes. Even an old Robinson, at Middle, could batter world-class fighters black-&-blue, & still possessed a savage punch. He did stand toe-to-toe more than Hearns would have, but he was also more durable.

I think Basilio's chances would be pretty good here. I still lean toward Hearns, though. Not sure how he would win it exactly.

**Steak** · 02-24-2011, 07:48 PM

unless Hearns can blast Basilio out of there(or stop him on cuts, which is plausible), I actually think Basilio would very likely be able to finish Hearns off before Hearns could make it to decision.
This is assuming 15 rounds however. also at WW...Basilio's chances are much worse at 154 and above.

I would actually say its 50-50. Basilio had a lot of staying power even late in the fight, and was no weak puncher at WW having hurt the iron jawed Kid Gavilan.

basically if Hearns cant put Basilio away, Basilio would eventually wear down 147lb Hearns with pressure and body shots, since Hearns' stamina was never very good at 147.
Basilio by late KO(11-15 rounds), or Hearns by stoppage before that.

**sleazyfellow** · 02-24-2011, 11:23 PM

It's a toss up, and the only thing that there'd be a question of is if Basillio could take Hearns shots....if he can he has a chance in the later rounds.

**Rockin'** · 02-25-2011, 02:16 AM

Originally posted by sleazyfellow

It's a toss up, and the only thing that there'd be a question of is if Basillio could take Hearns shots....if he can he has a chance in the later rounds.

Didn't Basillio has a bit of a problem with cuts and swelling, considering he did take alot of shots. I could see Hearns using his movement and incredible jab to damage Basillios eyes and face, not to mention the "hot rod" of a right hand. And throw in that beautiful left hook to the body, Hearns was an offensive tank. I would say Hearns stops him in around 8 or 9 rounds.........Rockin'

**McGoorty** · 09-22-2011, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by IronDanHamza

Does anyone else think Hearns might fade down the stretch against Basillo?

Blackirish and I were having a discussion recently about Tommy Hearns' stamina and we both agreed his stamina seemed to fade more at WW than anywhere else. Does anyone think this may be a problem with Basillo's determination? I actually think it might.

Basillo has a cleat shot IMO.

But it would be one hell of a fight. A competitive one, IMO.

I think that this fight may shift in Basilio's favour in the mid-rounds and if the fight goes past 12 rounds, Tommy's in trouble. Many will point to Hearn's punching power, but if Basilio can take the best shots from Tony DeMarco and Robinson, he can take virtually anything and Hearns suspect chin won't last against Basilio's power. I think DeMarco is the hardest punching WW since the turn of the century.

Tommy Hearns vs Carmen Basillio at WW