How much should the Ray Leonard fight effect Hagler's standing?

Hagler's subpar performances in the draw with Antuofermo, the tough ten rounder with Geraldo, the 15 rounder with Duran, and the 12 rounder with SRL are very troubling to me.

Don't get me wrong. I've met Marv, a classmate of my sister's used to babysit his kids, and I like him a great deal. But in three of the most important title fights of his career, he fell way short of expectations.

In winning the title from Minter, Alan's skin gave out (as happened all too often). Perhaps Hagler would have taken the title in London anyways, but it would have been interesting to find out.

Although Duran was masterful against Hagler, that one should not have been as competitive as it was, considering Marv's superior size and youth advantage. He gave Roberto too much respect.

Before finally facing Ray, he held up his fists and said, "These are my judges. One is 'K,' and the other is 'O.'" If this was true, then what the hell was Ray doing on his feet at the end of round 12? (With that declaration, Hagler guaranteed that he'd need a knockout to win.) And why on earth does the defending champion allow the challenger to dictate all the conditions for the fight? He forgot that HE was the boss.

This outcome may have been transiently exciting for boxing, but a long term disaster. First, the title changed hands in a 12, not a 15 rounder.

Secondly, the middleweight championship which remained undisputed through the abdication of King Carlos (who was present at ringside to formally coronate his successor Valdez) splintered into pieces after Marv blew the title (which for much of his reign was the ONLY undisputed world championship in boxing.

Marv should have broken Monzon's record for title defenses, then retired to crown another successor for the undisputed honors. (Don't hand me any baloney about Marv's age. Carlos was just as old when he went out on top, had been competing professionally longer, and had more professional fights on his record.) Ultimately, Hagler failed to measure up to the standard Monzon set.

 

There is no arguement.

Bernard Hopkins lost the Calzaghe fight because he didn't do anything after round 1.

 

Agreed,

A single knockdown alone does not automatically decide a win. The punch stats in that fight were horribly in favor of Calzaghe who both threw and landed nearly twice as many shots. Some might argue that Hopkins' punches were a tad more accurate and effective, but he simply did not produce the activity levels that warranted giving him the decision.

Calzaghe deserved the win....

 

If it had been anyone other than Sugar Ray Leonard, Hagler would have got the decision. It wasn't Hagler's best night, but it should not count much against him.