Hypothetically Speaking: Hagler vs Hopkins

1. Hagler in my opinion is in a different class then Hopkins and would have beat the hell out of Hopkins.
2. Hagler is the better boxer and hit harder then Hopkins.
3. Hopkins tries to get dirty with Hagler would be a huge mistake.
4. Monroe,Hart and Watts are better fighters then anyone Hopkins ever beat. And those are boxers Hagler beat BEFORE he won the title.

 

Good article. I would have Hopkins in a great and close fight. I think his canniness would be the difference.

 

I would favor 1981-83 Hagler against every "same day weigh in" middleweight in history except 1950 - 51 Robinson and 1921-22 Greb. (All due respect to 1972 Monzon.) But giving a high tier 2 Middleweight the 15 lbs for a day before weigh in is enough for me to favor B-Hop in this one.

 

I believe Hagler would overwhelm him and Hopkins would do a quit job.

 

I always thought Hagler being a southpaw works against him in this one. Hopkins was excellent against southpaws. Hagler could and would switchhit but don't think it would take away enough from Hopkins always getting his foot outside Hagler's and landing that right hand when Hagler is in his natural stance.

 

Hopkins rarelyweighed more than 168 on fight night as a MW.
I think its really close. Hopkins was a more than decent puncher in his prime even if hagler hit a little harder. Both guys were always in great shape, hopkins threw ALOT of punches in his stoppage of glen johnson. Both had ATG chins. Hopkins was a con man and faked injury in some fights but dont mistake him for a coward or a *****. He could definitely bite down and grit his teeth when he wanted to.

I think a big factor is that most people only remember the Hopkins that was 35+ years old. If hagler had fought until he was 50, there would definitely be more than a few bad moments to remember as well.

Im undecided.

 

Nice breakdown, as always, Escudo. Although, on this one, I don't agree with you. I think Hopkins would get under Hagler's skin, and would certainly not be an easy task for Marvin. But, I think Hagler's, skills, power, heart, and sheer will overcome Bernard's cageyness. I think Marvin wins a lopsided decision, or possibly gets a late stoppage over 15. Let's not forget, a prime Bernard Hopkins had his hands full with Jermain ****ing Taylor! And apart from Welterweight,Felix Trinidad, and maybe Keith Holmes, his middleweight resume is lacking in quality opponents. Furthermore, this would not be the slowed down Hagler of the Leonard fight. On an off night for Marvin, the scores might be a little closer, but definitely unanimous. And the part I disagree with you most strongly is your comment that Bernard would "give Hagler his props" afterward. In spite of great skills, and incredible longevity, Bernard Hopkins has always behaved like an egocentric child. He has never acknowledged another fighter's skill. Hell, he even refused to give any credit to Joe Smith Junior, who knocked Bernard right out of the ring.

 

Hopkins gave props to Pavlik after that victory. I remember him saying that Pavlik
hit very hard and would come back and win fights.

But otherwise yes, Hopkins was an egocentric child most of the time.

 

I got the Marvelous One here in a UD

 

Hagler was a much better boxer then Hopkins.
Jones spanked Hopkins. It wasn't even close.
Hopkins beat who at middleweoght ?
Holmes? Council? Who exactly?
Hell Mercado DROPPED Bernard did he not?
Hopkins went life and death with ECHOLS the first time.
Hagler destroyes any version of Hopkins.

 

Lol the first Echols fight was like 9-3