If he could have, he would have. The fight was there to be made. When Leonard saw how Hagler looked against Mugabi in '86, that's when he thought he could beat him. Before that, no way, he wasn't even going to attempt it.
I would never go against Marvin Hagler, clearly a destroyer, But, I still remember one of his fights, back in 1979. On the undercard of the Hugo Corro vs. Vito Antufermo Title Fight. Marvin fought a boxer-mover, Norberto Cabrera. Cabrera more than held his own, and was leading on the scorecards after 7 rounds. The Petronelli's were very worried in the corner.
That fight's on YouTube and it is a good fight, and Cabrera puts on a good show, landing counter right hands. Nevertheless, I don't see how the judges could have had him winning on points. Although they do say you have to knock a man out to get a draw in Italy. Don't see how this performance, a few years before Hagler reaches his peak, is any measure of what would have happened in a fight with Leonard though? [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU6oI02q6sM[/ame]
Dave,,,,,just a point of reference,,,,thats all. Norberto Rufino Cabrera,,,,actually an Argentinian fighter, based in Italy, and fighting in Monte Carlo. Showed, that Marvin could be hit with the lead-right hand. I think after 6 Rounds, Cabrera was leading. Tough guy.
Leonard had more reason/excuse to not be prime in '87 than Hagler. I still think it's a great, close fight. The 15 round distance benefits Hagler. I'll take Hagler in a close one.
Dave,,,,,,,,thanks fo sharing. Have to check out that fight from beginning to end. Cabrera Round 1 Hagler Round 2 Not a big-banger,,,,21-7-5 (12 KO's),,,,,but 12-7-1 in has last 20-bouts.