I was just watching a bit of both and Hagler is half a tier better at least. At his best he was almost perpetual movement i the early rounds, striking an excellent jab based balance between attack and defense. He was extremely busy and heavy handed. Golovkin would struggle with the pace. Hagler isn't going to stand off him like he's some sort of beast. He's also not skillful or wily enough to create doubt and make Hagler cautious. Hagler by comfortable decision. If GGG wants to go balls to the wall in an effort to win he's going to be in trouble.
These guys are essentially different weight classes. I was impressed with Hagler's speed compared to Golovkin until I realised that Hagler is essentially a smallish 154 guy today.
GGG As has already been mentioned, Hagler would be a 154 in today’s age weighing in 24hrs before. He came in at around 158 in a couple of his title fights.
I dunno Ferg. The only way that comes into play as a possibility imo is if Golovkin naturally being a few pounds heavier than Hagler has an unforeseen (and unlikely) impact on the latter's punch resistance. Which if Golovkin had to make 160 on the day becomes more of an issue for him than Hagler I'd say. At best, he hit no harder or more effectively (and in some cases not even as hard/effective) than the likes of Hearns, Obel (who was a huge same day middle/super middle), Scypion, Briscoe, Roldan, Caveman Lee, Mugabi, Sibson, Hart etc. Fighting Hagler of all people and being dependant on being able to dent his chin as your primary weapon doesn't bode well for your chances. Especially as a slower, looping, clubbing type of puncher rather than a faster, explosive type aka Hearns, Mugabi etc. Hagler falls into a subset of great middles (as maybe the prime example) who I think all might well have been horrible prospects for Golovkin. Him, Tiger, RJJ, Monzon once warmed up and dialled in, Hopkins, early 160 Robinson, a fit and focused Toney, Kalambay etc.
I never understood the hype about Golovkin. Who has he fought which suggests that he should be even mentioned in the same sentence as Hagler? I think Hagler would beat Golovkin up and stop him late.
Nobody is getting stopped here. Both men have titanium chins. Both have one punch KO power. I lean towards Hagler based on relentless pressure and a slight advantage on boxing skills.
Hagler was the better fighter but how do you figure this? Hagler was a legitimate middleweight, on the scales and in the ring. In today's world he would fight at 147, maybe even 140, and still get in the ring as a legitimate middleweight. GGG never fought as a middleweight in his life, though he often weighed in as one. he was never less than a super middle and was probably a light heavy most of the time. That is the male cow excrement state of boxing today.