Was initially supposed to be fought in 1983 but then Ray retired. But what if the fight did go through in 1983 when: Marvin was 28 and Ray was 26 Both were at their peak Title fights were still 15 rounds Would we have a different outcome? I'm thinking a relentless iron-chinned Hagler takes out Leonard late in the championship rounds. What say you?
Not this again this fight is still as hotly debated today as it was straight after the score cards were announced.Hagler would have took Leonard out in 87 when they fought if referee Richard Steele had done his job properly that night,33 warnings for holding and never lost a point as well as being warned on several occasions for hitting after the bell. Fair play to Leonard though he did his homework as well as Hagler agreeing to everything to get the fight made including 12 rounds instead of 15 etc etc. Leonard is savvy and fought fights behind closed doors to prepare and as he worked as a commentator he was able to access tapes of some of Haglers fights and knew Hagler started slow giving a few of the first rounds away (not ideal in a 15 round fight never mind a 12 rounder). Leonard had also commented on the Hagler v Mugabi fight and noticed like others a decline to Haglers game and said “ I can beat him now”. There is also the fact that Leonard would never lose a points decision in Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas,as Hearn later on also found out. This is one of those fight where the debate will rage on forever as to who truly won .FWIW I thought had Hagler won .
Hagler won their actual fight anyway. Leonard needed to win so there could be a rematch and Hagler refused to play along. Had they fought in 83, Hagler wins by 7th round ko.
Hagler knocks him out. Leonard knew it as well. I like SRL as a fighter. He is amazing and he isnt the spoiled golden boy with a silver spoon Hagler made him out to be. He is compared to him of course but not in general. But I never liked how the threated Hagler. He considers it smart and openly admits his tricks but it rubs me the wrong way. The way he retired in fron of Hagler, acted like his friend, carefully was at every fight to catch him slipping, stacking the deck in his favour, playing the crowd/judges, not giving a rematch and therefore robbing a man that needed 50 fights for a title shot, was the hardest worker and took great pride in being champion. I wish he didnt come back, making it all about him again and Hagler just fought on a few more times, beat monzons record and maybe fought Hearns again. Would have been better for boxing than the bs hype job fight vs SRL that made him sick with the sport when he got the short end of the stick again.
