The Beast. Before Hagler he was, well... A beast! Stops him late, whilst somewhat even on points. Great fight though, I think both could touch the canvas. After Hagler, complete toss up
Frank Fletcher was a fun fighter to watch, like most Philly - Jersey fighters are/ were especially the Middleweights. But Fletcher was never good enough too beat John Mugabi Prime vs Prime. Fletcher would be always to easy too hit, against a fighter that was built to destroy fighters that were easy too hit. Mugabi prior to being ruined by Hagler was just a better fighter than Fletcher all the around. This myth of Fletcher being that much better earlier in his career where he would've stood a chance against Mugabi is simply wrong.... Fletcher was as tough as nails, but he was tailor made for Mugabi, and the results wouldve been exactly the same if they fought 2,3,4, yrs earlier . Mugabi would still Ko the brave but very limited Fletcher.
Mugabi KO. I see no reason to think the outcome of their real fight deserves any sort of asterisk because of Fletcher's dilapidated condition. It's a styles thing.
Can't think of any fighters with less impressive accomplishments than Mugabi who get as much juice in head-to-head matchups in this forum, but this is the bottom line imo.
Frank thought defence was something built around dehouse. He was pretty face first and was mostly a arm puncher to boot. He had no shortage of guts and courage and certainly came to fight. I think Mugabi is grossly overrated but the styles matchup in this one suit him perfectly. He hits too hard for Frank.
It surprised me that Frank made it into the 4th round with the beast, he tried to box and use his jab. Had he tried to fight his usual style he exits in round 1. A lot of people don't think much of Mugabi , and I can understand why, but Frank The Animal Fletcher was an ESPN type tough fighter , not made for prime time. He'd have to have had a blackjack in his hand to beat the Beast.