This is a real nip and tuck fight. I think Valdez is the best natural 160 lb fighter Hagler would have faced. I also think Valdez is the puncher here. I think Hagler would have to try an outbox Valdez the way he did against the ageing Briscoe. If he turns it into a war in the trenches like he did with Mugabi he's taking a 50/50 chance. If Hagler boxes behind the jab he should take it.
I think MMH wins on points, I think his chin negates Valdes' power he wins more rounds than Rodrigo; not by much, but by enough.
I see it this way except...I think Hagler would still come out on top if it turned into another Mugabi type of fight. This would be a great fight...I think Hagler beats almost all middleweights who come forward aggressively...Hagler's preference by far was counterpunching.
This would be an out and out WAR fellas....I think Valdez had a better chance than most anybody to crack Hagler's great chin, but I think that more than likely, he would have opted to box conservatively to eke out a CLOSE decision for the win.
If Valdez tagged Hagler like he did Briscoe, Marvin would have made his only legit trip to the canvas...probably for a kd...watch the Briscoe ko for reference at least.
Valdez was far better than Mugabi ever dreamt of being,...this could have been the premier middleweight war of all time.
Valdez wins, probably by decision. Rocky hurts Hagler early and Marvin fights too cautiously the rest of the way against the aggressive Valdez.
Valdez would have been the best he fought for overall talent and power in his prime but I like Hagler in a close one