Cute Hagler beats puncher Hopkins Puncher Hagler beats puncher Hopkins Cute Hopkins beats puncher Hagler Cute Hopkins beats cute Hagler
The championship rounds are where this fight will be won and lost, which is Haglers domain. This "southpaw" is like no-one Hopkins has ever faced in reality. Whatever the case it'd be close, real close.
Marvin at times fought Duran's fight, and he fought Leonard's fight. This makes me worry about Marvin controlling the action against a guy like Hopkins. I see Bernard moving, landing a few clean lead shots or counters, tying Marvin up when he gets close, and at times exchangeing with him on the inside, where he will hold his own with Hagler. His superior height and reach, footwork, defense, slightly faster hands, and countering skills lead him to a decision in a very competitive fight that Hopkins simply controlled most of. Also, I don't know if Hagler is physically stronger than prime Hopkins. He'd have a few problems being able to back Bernard up or even get the better of inside exchanges due to Bernard's rough tactics (although Hagler was equally rough). I don't see Marvin changing this from a Hopkins fight, and I don't think he has the physical talent or even the skills (he was great in both departments though) of beating a prime Hopkins if the fight goes the way Hopkins wishes. To put it shortly, in this battle between two great all-around fighters, I simply feel Hopkins was the smarter fighter. Hagler isn't going to beat a smarter fight than him IMO. Maybe I'm overrating Hopkins here, but the only clear advantage I give Hagler is power. Apart from that, wherever there is an edge, I personally feel it goes to Hopkins. Close but clear decision for The Executioner.
If this fight were held in Hagler's day there would be no predictions of a Hopkins win. Hopkins would not be champion in Hagler's day. Hagler, the greatest middleweight of all time would have no problems being champion in the 90s. The only real threat would be Roy Jones.
Hagler's too busy, too agressive, relentless and easily just as quick. Too much so for Hopkins (even at his best) to handle IMO. It's an even fight going down the stretch, but Hagler uppes the ante and starts landing a bit more and more, Hopkins is stunned late but clinches to make it to the final bell: dropping a 9-6 type decision in the process.
People like to bring up how medicocre Hagler could be while passing up mention of what he did in the Hearns fight. The worst of Marvin Hagler is the measuring stick they prefer to use. I like to bring up the Hearns fight to show how good he can be and what he can do when motivated. I'm also not convinced Hopkins showed more skills than Marvin. Show me one fight where Bernard showed more skills and stamina than Marvin on the days he beat Hamsho and Sibson. I'd like to see it.