Toney was rather inconsistent at 160, and still a little green. Toney excels when guys come at him, rather than more mobile boxers, so that doesn't fare too well for Toney. Hagler generally wasn't a pressure fighter, he liked to box and use the ring. Hagler would probably be very effective with his right jab and use good lateral movement on his way to a competitive but clear decision win.
True, but Toney was much more mobile at the lighter weight. He was able to be more aggressive against movers than he has been in the latter half of his career.
Hagler wins this one by decision. Although James would keep it competitive with his sharp counters, Hagler had hell of a chin and was just too busy. Toney peaked at 168 and not at 160.
Agreed - Toney would give Hagler a hell of a fight but in the end the Marvellous one would win a decision against the 160 pound version of James.
Tough one - first let's assume we're talking about Toney on his best night at MW here - not even the version that fought Michael Nunn or Reggie Johnson, he was still green then, no, the Toney that fought McCallum in the rematch. That Toney was a throwback fighter, a defensive wizard and able to move and fight aggressively. A complete fighter. There is no doubt that Marvin was one of the best MWs to ever lace em up, but that version of Toney would be able to be competitive with the very best imo. He'd definitely have a chance. I'd expect both fighters to be very active, and I see Hagler moving and boxing with Toney having to chase him. A war, Hagler would have to take big shots in order to land his own. In the end, I have to slightly favour Marvin Hagler here, with Toney giving him a hell of a fight, winning rounds and definitely having some good moments. The only thing that's for sure here is that the fight would go to the scorecards.
Hagler wins this on pts. It would be close I see Toney defence and counterpunching winning alot of rounds, but Hagler was very accurate and powerful, he will grind out a decision win.
Well said, I am going with Lights Out. Toney is one of the most under rated fighters in the history of the sport.
Hagler would outbox or outbrawl Toney, whichever he preferred. Toney at his very best couldn't even conclusively beat a past prime Mike McCallum, yet he's beating a clearly better overall MW in Hagler? I think not. It's comical how people try to claim he's underrated.
Hagler was struggling with Vito Antuofermo, Toney was getting a gift decision over Dave Tiberi. Hmmmm.
The reason Toney is looked on so well now is because he is fighting in a very lean boxing era where he can move up to heavyweight and fight a stiff like Ruiz.
Toney would be a good, stiff test for Hagler. However Marvin by a clear ud. He's quicker and sharper than Toney, stronger as well. The best I ever saw Toney was the first two fights against Mccallum, he was quality in both fights even though I felt he lost both encounters. Mccallum v Hagler anyone?
I'd say Hagler by a fairly wide decision. Putting Toney at his most green weight against the GOAT at that weight doesn't make a great fantasy fight IMO.