In 1977 Rodrigo Valdez was the Middleweight champion of the World, and Ring Magazine rated Marvin Hagler the number 1 contender. Had they met for Valdez's World title, who would have won ? I think I'm going to be in the minority here, because even though I rate Hagler considerably higher all time, in 1977 I think Valdez was just a little better, and possessed, the chin, the punch, the skill and the experience to beat Hagler. I see Valdez coming out the winner over 15 rounds, by 1-2-2 pts. How About You Guys What's Your Opinion?
Hagler would outbox Valdez via lateral movement and a busy jab. Valdez doesn’t have the quickest feet and is at his finest against more stationary fighters. He’d come at Hagler all night and make a fight of it but Haglers chin stymies his best chance of glory.
Hagler by competitive decision, but the jab wins it for him. He should look to be more patient and allow the opportunities to present themselves, he definitely shouldn’t go looking for it here.
Hagler by decision in 1977. Valdes had slowed down a lot, last great performance was return fight with Monzon. I believe he wasn´t punching so hard since he had a car accident in which he had injured his hand. Now peak Valdes (1973-4?) could be another story. If Hagler fights like he did against Duran, 1st four rounds of Leonard and later rounds Antuofermo I then I´d have to pick Rodrigo by close decision.
I think the occasion would get to a young Hagler much like it did against Antuofermo and he would end up fighting too negatively and letting a winnable fight narrowly slip away from him.
Hagler showed his greatness in the Colbert fight, upping the pace to destroy Mike in seconds. Hagler was just too multi and Valdez too old. It took Valdez 11 years just to get a title shot and 14 years before he became world champion, at a time he was used up. In other words, he was on the way out while Hagler was very much on the way up
the occasion didnt get to Hagler. Antuofuermo got to Hagler but Vito was just a couple of years ahead of Hagler while Valdez was ten years ahead as a pro.
