Could Hagler have made the Olympic team?

di tullio,

Thanks,,,,,I hurt my brain with all that posted information.
The original question was 'Could Marvin Hagler Make the Olympic Team' ?

In reality, he had his shot in 1972 at age 18, and lost to Reginald Jones at 156 lbs.
(Lt. Middleweight) in an important regional fight.

I don't think he would have had any problem with Charles Walker Jr. in 1976, at the 156 lb. weight class, especially at age 22.
If he stayed at 165 lb. (Middleweight), he would have battled a 20-year old Michael Spinks for a spot on the
76' Olympic Team.

 

Mike,

Going back to 1972.
Jesse Valdez (Houston, Texas) was the 1972 Olympic Representative for the
147 lb. (Welterweight) Division.
Sugar Ray Seales was really a 147 lb. (Welterweight), but since he could get down to
139 lbs. (Lt. Welterweight), thats where he competed.
His fight and sparring sessions with Marvin Hagler were at 147 lbs. in 1971.
Seales was slicker and more of a complete boxer at that time, which was better suited for the 3-Round Amateur fight.

 

T-N-T,
Early in his career, Sugar Ray Seales did not think much of Hagler.
He was a better 'amateur' fighter than Marvin in 1970/1971/1972.
When Seales turned Pro, in January 1973, he started out as a 'skinny'
140 lb. (Lt. Welterweight).
When he first fought Marvin Hagler (professional bout), it was in August 1974.
At that time, Seales was fighting at 157 lbs.
Seales was unbeaten (20-0-0) (12 KO's). He was on a run of (6) straight Knock-Outs.
The fight was on TV, in Boston, Mass.
Seales had so little regard of Hagler, that he agreed to fight on Marvin's 'home turf'.
At that time, Seales was rated #4 at Light Middleweight and #9 at Middleweight.
Hagler won with a solid decision. Most had it at 6 to 4 Hagler.

 

Johhny Joe,

Seales took that fight with Hagler because of this,
If he won, he would have gotten a shot of then newly crowned Jr. Middleweight Champion Oscar Albarado in October 74'.

Seales wanted that Hagler (8/74') fight at 156 lbs., but eventually agreed to 158 lbs.
After beating Seales, Marvin was offered a fight with Albarado, but he couldn't get down to 154 lbs., and would not take the fight in Texas.

 

I thought Michael Spinks only won at the Golden Gloves?

 

Titan,

I stand corrected. You are absolutely correct.
My mistake.
Michael Spinks won the National Golden Gloves
1974 at 156 lbs.
1976 at 165 lbs.

 

Il,

Thanks for the info on Marvin.Not a whole lot is known about his amateur career.:good