Hagler was champ for 7 years in the 1980's with 13 title defenses. Let's put him as champ in 1955. Here are his challengers (& maybe multiple series fights): Sugar Ray Robinson Gene Fullmer Carmen Basilio Ralph "Tiger" Jones Joey Giardello ( I smell an upset here) Paul Pender Terry Downes Dick Tiger Bobo Olsen Can he run the table?
It partly depends when he fought Sugar Ray, because Ray was past his best in 1955 and by 1957 he was there for the taking. I reckon Dick Tiger is the tough 1, the rest he'd win because he was a little bit better.
I think Dick Tiger and Joey Giardello would have the best chances of beating Hagler. Very good chances. Spider Webb might have been the slickest pure boxer of the era, might have given Hagler a run for his money. Ray Robinson was probably too far over the hill to beat a prime Hagler but you cant write him off either. Most of the others would be tough fights for Hagler but I'd lean toward Marv to take care of business.
Gene Fullmer, Carmen Basilio, and perhaps Paul Pendler(Robinson of couse depends when Hagler gets to him) I think Basilio and Fullmer would be my favors against Hagler, and I can see Pendler being on his toes and out boxing Hagler like he did to Robinson and Basilio. Pendler is pretty underated.
Tiger could give Hagler a fight or anyone else for that matter. Basilio, Hagler would destroy him in under five.
He would do well for a while. He would destroy Carmen Basilio- I'm sorry, but being tough the way Casillio was, that just wouldn't cut it against an efficient puncher in Hagler. Fulmer would fare slightly better, considering his record and style (more sound, better speed/power than Basilio), but he would still lose a close decision. Hagler would have to pull it out, but he would, at his best. More tools to work with. I honestly think Hagler stops Bobo late in their fight. Olsen, despite his abilities, I don't think he could handle Hagler's power later in the fight. Interesting, Joe Giardello. He was VERY inconsistant, but his technique was fine, good boxer, great technique, and speed. I think Giardello could actually take a close, CLOSE decision based on his ability to stick and move, making Hagler miss (Hagler rallies, but it's too late). But in a rematch, I would suspect a meaner, angrier Hagler (Mugabi-style) knocking Giardello out farely quick, maybe in five. Dick Tiger would be a toss-up in my opinion. Robinson wins a decision over Hagler if he doesn't stop him. Imagine the Leonard fight, only Robinson had better technique, stamina, power and work-rate. Obviously you put the best Hagler in there with Robinson, but Robinson wins either way. I don't see Terry Downes standing much of a chance against Hagler. Paul Pender's height would give Hagler problems, but Hagler would ultimately win a decision because of his fine work-rate, he would stick with Pender all night. Tiger Jones would be one hell of a fight for Hagler, but I think Hagler's ability to box on the outside or inside would be key in this fight. Hagler W15. I'd say Hagler would do VERY well in the fifties. :hey
