Could Ezzard Charles defeat all of Hagler title defenses

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 11, 2026.


  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Could a middleweight Ezzard Charles beat everyone that Hagler beat as middleweight champion?
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 11, 2026
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 11, 2026
    #1
  2. Ike

    Ike Active Member Full Member

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    I say yes, we're talking about one of the best boxers in history, a great counterpuncher, excellent footwork, speed, accuracy and great ring IQ. Charles could have defeated anyone at middleweight, and he has two victories over a champion like Charley Burley. Obviously Hearns and Leonard would have been very difficult opponents for Charles and they would have been two great fights, but I think Charles had the skills to beat them.
     
    Ike, Jun 11, 2026
    Ike, Jun 11, 2026
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  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    No, he'd have run into something he didn't like at 19, 20. He'd have been champ-worthy though. Sounds like Kid Tureno started to time him big time when he was a young middleweight to take a decision and Ken Overlin beat him too. He didn't have that rhythm busting style in yet.
     
    McGrain, Jun 11, 2026
    McGrain, Jun 11, 2026
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  4. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    John Mugabi? Scypion? Or Thomas Hearns? Or Roberto Duran?
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 11, 2026
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 11, 2026
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  5. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I'm not exactly in the Ezzard Charles fan club but Hearns and Hamsho are the only 2(out of 11) with a semblance of a chance.

    Ezzard's era of MW/LHW was much better than Hagler's and Ezzard graduated MW around 20.
     
    HistoryZero26, Jun 11, 2026
    HistoryZero26, Jun 11, 2026
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  6. Mark Dunham

    Mark Dunham Well-Known Member Full Member

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    unlikely. he'd win some of them, maybe Scypion, Lee, Vito but would struggle to fend off the stronger challengers
     
    Mark Dunham, Jun 11, 2026
    Mark Dunham, Jun 11, 2026
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  7. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    I'd want to see him vs the other 3 kings who challenged Hagler
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 12, 2026
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jun 12, 2026
    #7