Fights that never were...but should have been

You are completely incorrect, there was no scope for a quick rubber match or there would have likely been one. You're obviously a bit of a SRL hater.

 

Duran often ballooned up between fights. Blind Freddy knew a rematch was coming after the first fight. I often champion Duran (particularly as a lightweight) but he's one of the most excused fighters in history.

 

Fair enough ......

 

Maybe. I'm thinking circa '81 when Benitez was still good enough to win world titles and would later decision Duran. Jose Torres wrote an interesting article in an old Ring magazine back issue I have from this era about Benitez fighting Hagler. Benitez had just beaten Santos at the time. It is terribly sad what happened to him later. He should have retired several years before his last fight but unfortunately that's the case with too many boxers.

 

My opinion is of course based on 20/20 hindsight...as in knowing how Benitez turned out (tragically),...but in reality, at the time, circa '82, he may have very well have been a viable matchup for Hagler. I'm still not certain about that, but at that time, maybe he would have confused Hagler...maybe he would have been really "on"...especially when still in command of his magical "radar" powers.

 

I think Benitez would have done better vs a Hagler, than a Monzon in that Hagler could be bamboozled at bit,deferring an undue amount of respect to Duran and seemed a little unsure at times...a bit confused as to how to proceed, ala vs SRL, whereas Monzon had no confusion at all, and was like a reptile in his cold purpose. Benitez would have had no chance at all vs Carlos.

 

Yeah, Duran and Benitez don't last with the great Monzon. Watching Benitez and reading about him all those years, now I wonder if he didn't have a trace of autism. He always seemed off mentally and childlike. But watching the young, jrwelter Wilfredo, wow, what a talent. I love his KO of Shields. Amazing, God given reflexes and talent . The jrwelter Benitez would drive Floyd insane and could fight with anyone. The Benitez of 81-82 was a different fighter and I think would find Hagler to strong and talented.

 

Ron Lyle vs Ken Norton

 

Monzon would have brutalized both of them....he would have given Duran a Joppy-like beating, only worse.

 

Concur. JMW was the Best for Wilfred. That is the weight the possible second SRL fight should have
been at.

 

There's no way Monzon is dishing out a Joppy like beating or worse. Duran was what, 47 and in his 115th fight?

Monzon wasn't overly known for stopping high quality rock chinned opponents in 3 rounds. The wily Griffith went 15 with him in their second fight (competitive too) and he wasn't an overly big middle.

Monzon would impose himself a lot better than Hagler did for sure. If Duran was forced to and went into a defensive mode he might well go the distance. If he went all out to win he might not.

 

Bloody hell Monzon v Duran ! Be some really bad attitude going on with them two.Imagine the way in !.

 

Hagler Hearns 2..A fading Hagler faces a more sound and motivated Hearns who will fight a smarter fight this time (Leonard Hearns 2). And if it ends up in a slugfest like last time...so be it,the fans loved the first one and it is among the best if not THE best fights ever..

 

sometimes I think a much harder fight for Hagler than anyone would think.

 

I think Hagler knew the second fight would be different. Neither guy would come out slugging so it would be more technical.