Hagler v Hearns Re-Match

It depends on when the rematch happens. If it's the Hagler of the Mugabi fight, Hagler like pulls out a late stoppage win. If it's the Hagler of the Leonard fight, Hearns likely sticks and moves and stands a real chance of winning. Hagler was nowhere near the fighter in 1987 than he was in 1985.

 

Mr Marvel do you think Hearns will be able to contain himself to stay out of a fight with hagler.

 

It's possible. Hagler wouldn't be able to rush him the way he did in 1985. If Hearns gets rhythm, Hagler is in for a long night.

 

Hagler couldn't rush Leonard. I know it's a different fight but over 12 I really think Hearns has a chance.

 

I don't buy the loss of punch resistance argument. Hearns was only knocked out twice and he faced world class competition. The Barkley shot would have knocked out most middleweight. It was a clean devastating shot. Tommy screwed up and got out of position. Barkley took full advantage. Hearns fell so slowly and completely that Barkley nailed him again on the way down. Barkley looked out of the fight until then, but at that moment he looked as in a fight as I have ever seen a fighter.

Tommy's problems as he career progressed were several. There was diminishment of reflex in combination with his defensive inadequacies. He never learned to hold effectively. In combat, he often regressed to an amateur style. No offense to Tommy, but he wasn't the smartest boxer. He had all the physical tools and as a young man was amazing. But smarts have to take over as you age.

Still, Hagler was over the hill. Somebody described him in this or another thread as "shopworn." That's right. He should have retired after Mugabi. I understand the Monzon thing, but anybody watching the Mugabi fight could see that Hagler had trouble pulling the trigger and was getting nailed with shots he never used to get nailed with.