Both very very good. Hearns had a fast whip while Haglers is underrated ..strong hard jab. Ill go with Hearns though for me.
Hearns. It was a multi-purpose jab like Larry Holmes. Flicker jab to keep you at bay. Snapping jab to set up body shots when his opponents head snapped back, or his favorite use which was a straight jab he didn’t retract but instead left fully extended to stiff arm the neck or head of his victims into position for his devastating right hand.
I guess Hearns because of his reach. You had to deal with it to get inside. Hagler's from the Southpaw stance was uncommon in it's power though.
Hearns was varied. As a matter of fact I never saw a guy do exactly what he did. He would be boxing and he would bounce on the ropes and stick his jab out extended and nail his opponent coming off the ropes. It could hit hard.
Hearns. In my opinion he had a top 3, if not the best jab of all time. Hagler had a great jab too though, I'm surprised it doesn't get brought up more in discussion.
Hagler's jab was a bit like Holmes' in that he knew how to get the maximum leverage possible for that punch. Plus, he (like Larry) was adept at switching velocities. Hearns was probably better overall.
Purely on the jab, Hagler.Do not forget Hearns had a height advantage so he could use the jab to better effect.