I'd take Hagler in a close, hard fought decision. He'd probably out-box and out-point Jake in the early goings behind his jab and better lateral movement. I expect, however, that as the fight wears on Jake would start to catch up with him and the body shots would take their toll over the full 15. Still, similarly to the Antuofermo fight where Hagler gassed late, I think Hagler's early lead gives him the edge in the fight.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. Take a look at some old films of LaMotta. He boxed from behind a busy jab, threw compact combinations, and worked upstairs and down. Hagler was not quite on the skill level of Jake. LaMotta by decision.
Hagler TKO 11 LaMotta. Hagler wouldnt land as many shots as Robinson but would hit with more power and eventually cave LaMotta's face in. LaMotta wins 2 rounds and scores a flash knockdown before he gets destroyed. Hagler was a natural 160 - 165 pounds. Robinson was a natural 147 - 152 pounds. Thats why Hagler is able to stop Jake like Ray did, a few less punches with a little more power.
By the way Hagler threw faster combo's then Jake (just watch the films) and had a 3-5 inch reach advantage.
Hagler was not quite on the skill level of Jake. LaMotta by decision. That is some of the most ignorant sh#t that I've ever heard on here. Your can throw out 10 middleweight greats and Hagler will be able to outbox 8 of them. Thats his pedigree man. He only started to brawl when he kept getting robbed in his earlier years. And yes as hard as LaMotta's head was, Hagler at his best would've stopped him or at least battered him.
what a supperb fight this would be,no quater would be given by either man and i reckon they would be appealing for blood donors the week before the fight! i would say hagler on points over 12 rounds but over 15rounds jake would have more of a chance
Hagler did not hit with more power or better combinations than Robinson, under any circumstances. Not to mention the only time Ray stopped him over 15 was against a faded, badly weight drained LaMotta. No chance of a stoppage here.
When you compare not only the skill level of Hagler and Lamotta, but their opponents skill level, it only makes it more obvious that Jake was the better fighter. A guy like Jake who hands Sugar Ray Robinson, the greatest fighter ever, his first loss, and has four other close tough fights with him , plus all the other great fighters like Cerdan and Zivic is certainly more skilled than a guy who struggles with a past it Duran and gets beat by Leonard , coming back after five years. Even in his prime , Hagler's best wins were over Antuofermo and Hamsho, hardly all time greats. Yeah he ko'd Tommy Hearns, but so did Iran Barkley. You think ANYBODY could take 5 years off and come back and beat an active LaMotta?
