Mythical match-ups

From time to time I enjoy the subject of mythical match-ups. How would a fighter from one era do in battle against a fighter from another. In general, I prefer modern era fighters say, 1950s on to the present. And that is only from the light heavyweight division down. It is a bit unfair to take the heavyweights of the pre Sonny Liston time period and compare them to the fighters of today. Granted there were some big boys fighting but for the most part the pre-1950s era of heavyweights were dominated by men weighing in the vicinity of 185-205 lbs.

That being said, here are some mythical match-ups being discussed over at Maxboxing.com and I decided to offer my opinion.

I am curious to know who you think would have won these mythical matchups:

Hearns vs. Jones Jr. (at Jr. Middleweight, Middleweight, Super Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight)

Jones only had three or four bouts at the Jr.Middleweight limit early in his career so he hardly qualifies in this division. I would, however, take Jones over "The Hitman" at just about any weight in their perspective primes. A lot is said nowadays about Jones' questionable chin which has been breached by Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver. We can't forget, however, that Hearns never had a granite chin himself and was much more hittable than Jones. In his prime, I'd take Jones to knock out Hearns.

Jones Jr. vs. Trinidad (Middleweight - assuming they fought like they did when they were actually fighting at this weight)

Again, I'd take Jones. If Oscar De La Hoya could outspeed and outmaneuver Trinidad for at least nine of the twelve rounds, Jones would be able to turn the trick himself at his prime.

Pryor vs. Mayweather

Mayweather. And relatively easy. Pryor was a small guy. About 5'6". He was a natural lightweight that had to come up to junior welterweight in order to receive a title shot. Despite his awesome knockout percentage Pryor was not a hard, concussive hitter. He overwhelmed his opponents. There is no way in hell he'd be able to do that against Mayweather. Mayweather has too much discipline and skill for the erratic Pryor. I can only see Mayweather getting beaten by a tall, hard hitting fighter who can match his speed (Thomas Hearns or even a prime Vernon Forrest comes to mind.) Mayweather would beat Pryor.

Duran vs. Mosley (Lightweight, Welterweight)

Duran would be a bit too much for Mosley at both weights. Mosley would be made to order for Duran, he'd engage him on the inside, find that to be too hot but then would find that he'd lack the necessary boxing skill to stave off a hungry Duran.

Whitaker vs. Mayweather (Lightweight, Jr. Welterweight, Welterweight)

Tough, tough one to call. They would both negate each other. Call it a draw.

Trinidad vs. Cotto

Trinidad would knock out Cotto early. I don't think Trinidad would be defeated by a plodding fighter. Granted, Cotto has some boxing skill and would use them to full effect here like he did against Mosley but in my opinion it would be ineffective against a taller, stalking fighter like Trinidad. Trinidad would be way too sharp and powerful for Cotto to survive against him.

Leonard vs. Trinidad (Welterweight)

I think Leonard would outsmart Trinidad in a relatively close fight. He'd have his trouble against "Tito", probably more than De La Hoya did but as always, Sugar Ray would find a way.


Hearns vs. Trinidad (Welterweight, Jr. Middleweight, Middleweight)

I think Hearns simply overpowers Trinidad at any weight.