If Monzon Had Actually Faced Hagler, In 1978?

If the fight happened in 1978; a year after Monzon's retirement IMO Hagler would have won.

 

Monzon was coming to the end in 77. And he indeed retired then. If he carried on for another year he’s fighting past his prime and Hagler has a chance. It would be a pretty even contest. Sort of a cross roads fight. Monzon on the way down and Hagler up. Don’t forget Hagler fought for the title a lot closer to 1980 than 1978. November 79. So in 78 he was still up a coming. Not sure who wins but it’s real close. If I had to decide I’d say Monzon just pips it with his experience. 79 onwards it’s Hagler. Prime for prime is for another post to debate.

 

I don’t think Marvin was quite there yet.

He fought Vito to a draw over 15 rounds in late 1979 — I know people like to say this was a robbery but it wasn’t in my eyes. I suggest people go back and watch it again and you’ll see a lot of ebb and flow with Antuofermo definitely having his share of success.

And in 1980, Hagler had to really put his foot on the gas in the second half of the fight to get the better of Marcos Geraldo. Yes, he won and deservedly so, but had to come from behind to do it.

That Hagler isn’t, IMO, going to have his way with Monzon. Carlos is past prime in 1978 but still better than Rodrigo Valdez. I figure he’s got enough left in the gas tank to edge Marvin, who isn’t yet into his prime.

 

Carlos Monzon 89-3-9, 61 KO's was smart enough to walk out of the fight game with his World Middleweight Title intact after 14 successful title defenses, and a 7 year reign as champion. He had an 82 bout unbeaten streak dating back to Oct 9 1964, he avenged his three defeats, defeated eight of the nine men he drew with, he was financially set after his retirement. Carlos knew when it was the right time to retire, he rid the division of no.1 challenger Rodrigo Valdes with two very convincing victories. In 1976, Marvelous Marvin Hagler suffered two defeats, Willie The Worm Monroe and Bobby Bugaloo Watts, those losses did nothing to enhance a chance against a very confident champion, who was cool, calm, and collected in the ring. By 1977, there was a possible title defense in Monte Carlo, Monaco against Alan Minter but Minter had suffered a defeat against undefeated Ronnie Harris. Monzon officially announced his retirement on August 29 1977, he had his sites on the silver screen instead of boxing, he vowed never to return and kept his word, a very intelligent fighter. On November 5 1977, No.1 challenger Rodrigo Valdes and no.2 challenger Bennie Briscoe met for the undisputed vacant World Middleweight Title, Valdes won by unanimous 15 round decision to claim the title.

 

Thanks buddy.

 

Willie Monroe wouldn't be happy, mind.

 

Monzon was past his best in the Valdez fights, so would have likely slipped a little further by 78.

That said, Hagler wasn't at his peak yet either.

As with a prime for prime contest, it's almost certain to go the distance and is likely to be close.

The timing in 78 could even be the determining factor for which should be made the slight favourite. i.e. Monzon if in January & Hagler if in December. It's really that tight in my eyes.

 

I'm going for Monzon- a legend past his prime vs a legend not quite there yet. '78 just too early for Marv to beat someone of this stature I feel. I see nothing in it for 10 rounds or so and I think Hagler's strength would surprise Carlos early, but like vs Valdez (II), Monzon uses that experience in the championship rounds, when his accuracy seemed to improve down the straight despite it being such a tough fight, to clinch a close UD.

 

Hi Buddy.
This pairing has me more perplexed than almost any MW champs over the decades, I really struggle to come up with a definitive winner, Monzon shaped my early growing up years in boxing,and I still see him as almost unbeatable, Hagler also is a true bona fide ATG, that was almost impossible to overcome, gun to my head, can see a scenario where Hagglers movement, all round boxing skill, just might give him the edge over the somewhat slow, predictable , Monzon, the only area not in doubt is a 15 rounder is a certain, barring Hagler getting cut.
stay safe Fergy.

 

Who definitely wins, we the fans do.

Which of these ATGs succeed is a big question, well i think it would be a brave gambler who bet a fortune on either fighter, as the result IMHO most definitely is not certain.

However enough of the fence sitting i say Monzon edges it.

I say that from the position of being a big Hagler fan