April 6 1981, Marvelous Marvin Hagler signs to challenge Matthew Saad Muhammad

I dont see Marv beating Matt. I believe the 15 pounds would have been a bridge too far.

 

Hagler's frame is naturally too small. He fought under 160 as it is.

 

I think Matt breaks him down.

 

Nah...a bridge too far for the Marvelous One.

 

I think Hagler would outbox him for long periods.
Over the stretch though I think Matthew would gradually wear him down to gain a hard fought UD or even late stoppage.

 

Saad Muhammad was always a vulnerable fighter even in his best wins. You guys really don't think Hagler could smartly add 10 pounds of muscle and maintain his overall ability? If he could, and I can't see why he couldn't, I'd bet big on Hagler.

 

Saad would win. Too strong. Haglers best bet would be to try an box the whole time or at least slug very little. Murray Sutherland a naturally smaller man was able to outbox Saad for awhile. But at least he had been fighting at 175 for quite some time Saad by clear decision.

 

The idea that Hagler and Monzon would’ve been out of their depth at Lt. Heavy in the same day weigh in era has never made sense. It’s somewhat understandable for Monzon as he “fought tall”, but Hagler? What exactly do people think he’d lack that most top Middleweights before and after him had?

I think this would’ve been a fight for the ages.

 

Saad would beat him badly IMO

 

Yeah there were a lot of potentially good pay days for Marvin against the 175 pounders in the 80’s and also a very good reason why he never chased em.. safer to take on guys rising in weight to meet him...

 

This is a fascinating match up. In 1981 Hagler was beginning his wonder years as one of great ring mechanics. I think his angles and accuracy would give Saad nightmares and don't forget how Marvin could change stance almost imperceptibly. I remember after his mater class against Tony Sibson, Marvin taking about "Dipping into my toolbox". Against a big, come ahead target like Matthew, he would have plenty more opportunities.
Matthew Saad Mohammed was simply one of the bravest Fighters I have ever seen and would have kept walking Hagler down while he still had breath in his body and I can imagine around the tenth he would start landing but, although Hagler couldn't hurt him, he would have done serious damage to Saad's face.
I can see a badly busted up Matthew, still fighting but in a very bad way, being stopped in twelve or thirteen.

 

Interesting fight for sure. Marvin was a great fighter but he could be hit just rarely hurt. They have the same reach. Tough fight to pick.. I always wondered if Marvin should have moved up in weight to show he was more versatile, since moving up shows a fighter can still win with different variables. I do think it shows greatness to move up and win titles. It would have interesting to see Marvin try it. I am one who thinks his reach and southpaw stance helps him win at the higher weights, and his experience. When he was tactical he could fight rather boring, he did better against guys who came at him since they were then in his range and he was strong and had decent power.

 

Michael Spinks fought once at 170 pounds with the intention of luring Hagler into a fight,, Haglers team never seriously considered it for good reasons. I think a prime Saad stops Marvin, oh Hagler will have his moments but in a 15 round fight he'll get overwhelmed at some point when a firefight breaks out and when did a young strong Saad not get into one?