People often forget how often Benitez was badly hurt even during his prime. He got tagged, even by lesser fighters. Great defensive fighter, but he was not flawless. No fighter ever was.
One of Wilfreds flaws was that he didn't like to get hit (not that anyone does), But he did lack pop on his punches, and didn't go forward well. Of course that may need to be put in context considering who his losses were too. I agree that a Hagler fight was never in the cards for many reasons. And hagler wouldhave been all wrong for him. I wonder if he could have been more with a differnet thrainer than his pop's, but I don't think so.
Actually it was. Very much on the cards too. After Wilfred beat Duran so convincingly there was much talk among the experts of Benitez and his style possibly being the one to dethrone Hagler. Benitez himself had started talking it up a bit too. Hagler commented as well. If Benitez had beaten Hearns you can take it to the bank that he would have fought Hagler, probably next fight. Benitez after beating Duran, upon being asked his thoughts on Hagler. "I think he is marvelous".