I once heard Whitaker say...

All of this. I won't bother saying the same thing in my own words.

 

Either Whitaker was exaggerating for effect about how Hagler was slipping by the time, Leonard fought him, or he was being even more arrogant than usual when he said that.

Love Pea, but he doesn't beat even a past it Hagler.

 

What about early Welter Pea around 147\153 vs Corro\Kalule\Reggie Johnson or for an aggressor someone like Vito or Don Fullmer.

More interesting to figure out who the best middles you think he could beat would be imo.That could be a good discussion.

I picked those fighters because on the one hand you have fighters who rely on finesse and out-fighting, don't hit well and don't use their strength much(if at all) so are most likely bouts that could play out similarly regardless of weight.Insert other fighters of that type you feel are winnable fights if you want.

with aggressive pressuring fighters on the other hand, the sheer size advantage will always be a tough obstacle for someone of Pea's size and power, but Vito and Fullmer don't hit well and aren't that big(especially vito who was a really small middle).What sort of chances do you feel he has here?, or against any particular fighter or style that comes to mind as exploitable?.

 

Must have been well into his coke phase when he said that.

I don't see him beating many decent middleweights. Even at 154 he looked soft and rather slowed down.

Although I wouldn't make him favourite, he might have a shot against a Winky Wright sort, (who had also slowed down by the time he got to middleweight) or someone liable to implode like a Jermain Taylor. Heck if Spinks can do his head in....

 

A 1993 Whitaker v 1987 Hagler ......

I don't think he would beat him but he'd probably be able to last the distance and avoid getting hit much. It's not as if Leonard utlized much against Hagler that Whitaker doesn't have at his disposal. That extra size and strength probably allows Leonard to stand and punch back a bit more before retreating, but no way did Leonard use any power in his fight with Hagler. He didn't keep Hagler off him with decent power, he just boxed and threw light flurries.
Whitaker could do the same, but would probably have to backpedal more - fight a little more negatively.
Hagler wins on points.

 

I don't think it's out the question he goes the distance. Vasquez was a decent win a few pounds south. And Duran managed to go the distance

Interesting questions, I think he edges out Vito tbh. The problem he'd have with the likes of Reggie J would be reach and height disadvantages, although he handled the same disadvantages against Oscar and Tito reasonably well

I for one wouldn't be surprised to see Whitaker beat some good MWs

 

The SAME Hagler that fought Ray?

I'm not gonna lie, Pea has a shot.

Hagler was arrogant, his mean edge had vanished, and for the only time in his career, he fought like an absolute moron against Leonard.

He might come out orthodox and **** against Whitaker.

Let me say this: Even that version of Hagler, aggressive, overwhelms Pea. Too big and powerful.

But I'll also say this: If Hagler tries to box and be cute, Pea stands him on his head. He'd be, quite literally, the best technician Hagler ever faced, and this is the one version of Hagler who might have been out of sorts enough mentally to do too much playing around.