Leonard (of Hearns) vs Hagler (of Hearns)

There's no confusing the 85 version with the 87 version.

I watched Hagler the morning following the Hearns fight on Good morning America with Ray seated right next to him. Once again, Hagler made mention of the missed opportunity, even embarrassing him, and Ray made no move to shut him up. He had no interest in a fight with Hagler because his showing was too dominant.

 

You are a fool. I deserve an apology for you trying to say that I said, Hagler in his prime couldn't wobble a welterweight Leonard.

 

Twice.

 

That's more or less how I see it as well.

 

I would go with Hagler. No one mentioned Leonard won his fight as much in the ring as outside it, and IMHO it should not be neglected. Examples?

Leonard wants bigger ring to use his footwork advantage more effectively - he gets it.

Leonard wants 10 ounces gloves to make it sure no one (means himself) gets hurt - he gets it.

15 rounds are too much? OK, make it 12 rounds then.

 

good point,it was always a case of what ray wants ray gets

 

We are talking here about the 1981 Leonard against the 1985 Hagler.
Wether Ray wanted to choose the right time, the right ring or the right gloves to fight Hagler hasn't got anything to do with it.

 

I have a feeling Ray got all those advantages so easily because it was kind of special fight. I have a feeling if it would be "normal" fight (like the one we are discussing) it would be more difficult to bent the rules into his favour.

If you think those factors (ring size, gloves weight, number of rounds) were not important at all - well, you are entitled to your opinion. IMHO the fight was so close that it could easily make difference.

 

Your right, I agree that it made a difference in 1987.
What I'm saying is that I don't think the real fight when both weren't at their best has got a bearing on a "fantasy" match up ie !981 Leonard against 1985 Hagler.
I've assumed from the beginning that this fight would be fought under "normal" conditions.

 

The inactivity and lay offs caught up to Ray- and Ray should not have tried to fight at 154. But Hearns a few months after this won the 175 pound crown from Virgil Hill who was undefeated and had 10 title defenses.

 

Hagler would win a thriller in 8-7 rounds.

 

The Hagler that crushed Hearns would probably be a little too much for the leonard that beat Hearns in '81. Rays best chance would be to stay on his bicycle and not engage Hagler in close. I just wish they had fought each other earlier than they did. It would've been one of the all time great fights. There's a reason why Ray waited so long before taking on Hagler. Marvin at his best, or near best was an animal.

 

good one.