Many won't admit it but Hagler would have a very difficult time with Andre "SOG" Ward

Definitely a rough night for Hagler no doubt.

 

Hags is a small MW by today standards. The middleweight division since the 70s or so has always been pretty thin on ATG competition IMO and Calzaghe, Jones Jr, Ward and Bute would give Hags a serious run if Hags wanted it, fantasy wise.

 

:rofl Hagler's a far better outside technical boxer than Ward.

 

Far better? i think you're reaching on that one.

 

Hagler had better footwork, balance, movement, combinations, jabs, power, and fluidity on the outside than Ward. No question about it. Ward is more of a output-limiting spoiler on the outside who looks to counter here and there. More in the Hopkins mold, just not as good as a younger B-Hop.

 

If anything I think he is an older B hop with better reflexes, not really a spoiler. You're selling Ward short with the spoiler stuff.

Footwork, balance and movement are basically the same thing. Just say he is better defensively IYO and be done with it.

 

Yeah, I mean the dude is 58...

 

Footwork, balance, and movement are not basically the same thing. Pacquiao has amazing movement, but his footwork and balance leave something to be desired. Some fighters have excellent balance and footwork and never appear to be reaching or over-extending, but wouldn't be considered great movers. There's a clear and distinct difference BETWEEN all three of those (and there are differences in style FOR each one of the three as well).

And yes, Ward isn't exclusively a spoiler. I'll stand corrected on that. Occasionally he can be, but he's a solid outside fighter. Ward picks his spots, capitalizes on mistakes, and does good countering work with his right hands set up off of movement and walking fighters into traps, but I haven't seen much in the way of a backfoot boxing game from him. Hagler, who was a more consistent outjabber and an outboxer/mover stylistically, was simply better from range than Ward. More dangerous. More skilled. More punishing.

I'd certainly argue the defense thing, too. When Hagler was moving and boxing, he was very solid defensively. Not worthy of being mentioned among the greats in that regard, but neither is Ward. They're not defensive juggernauts.

 

Ward would be best suited to try and muscle Hagler on the inside, the only possible area where he might have an edge. He'd definitely give Marvin problems with his abilities and size, but ultimately he's likely to fall short. That's my view for now, at least. I genuinely believe Andre can change that down the line, and will likely retire as an ATG himself. Guy's damn good.

 

:-(