June 27 1977

A good match, but Marvelous Marvin began his rise in 1978, with a big victory over Bad Bennie Briscoe. His two losses were to boxer types, Willie The Worm Monroe,on March 9 1976 Bobby Bugaloo Watts, on Jan 13 1976, both by unanimous decisions. He stopped Monroe in a rematch on March 15 1977, by TKO 12. Carlos Monzon meanwhile was training for his rematch with Rodrigo Valdes, for his 14th defense of his World Middleweight Title, in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Having been told of this substitution, his manager Tito Lectoure, and trainer Amilcar Brusa prepare him for his upcoming defense against Marvin Hagler. Carlos, according to Brusa, never watches films of his opponents. Brusa would investigate his challengers style for him, and try to find a sparring partner with that particular style. Not a lot of people wanted to spar with Monzon, because he hit too hard, well documented. Monzon's record at this time was, 88-3-9, 61 KO'S, he had not lost since Oct 9 1964, in his last 82 fights, he avenged his three unanimous decision losses to Antonio Augilar, Felipe Cambiero, and Alberto Massi. He avenged 8 of the 9 draws that he had. The fight begins with Carlos firing his left jab, and connecting with his lethal right hand to souhpaw Marvin, as he is open to it. Carlos fights the same kind of fight as he did against Briscoe, on Nov 11 1972, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He moves, sets traps, and counters Hagler. Marvin at this point in his career, was super aggressive, wanting to hurt and kayo his opponents. Monzon, it has been said did not believe he would ever lose, when in a match. The Petronelli's, Marvin's handler's, advise their fighter to settle down with Monzon, they believe that their fighter is still a little green, to have accepted this match on short notice. Hagler does give a great account of himself, by standing and exchanging with the champion. He is having trouble with Monzon's height and reach. Realizing that he is behind, he connects with Carlos in round 13, with a left hook to the champion's jaw, visibly staggering him. Carlos returns fire, cutting Hagler over the left eye. When he returns to his corner Goody tells him, He Is Turning Old Before Your Eyes, Go Out And Take His Belt From Him. Marvin goes out and goes for the KO, but is stopped in his tracks by a very hard countering right by Carlos. In the last round both fighters are extremely exhausted, and clinch through the whole round. Monzon wins by unanimous decision, he tells the press when asked if he would give Marvin a rematch, he says, No, I Will Let Senor Hagler And Rodrigo Valdes Fight For My Belt, I Will Retire And Make More Movies. Marvin Hagler Was Mucho Hombre. Marvin Hagler would defeat a game Rodrigo Valdes, by unanimous decision, and become the new World Middleweight Champion in London, England, on Nov 5 1977, Monzon smiling, gives the belt to Hagler. Marvin and Carlos shake hands and give each other a nod of respect.

 

I could see the bout in my mind as I read. Great post.

 

Thanks.

 

Monzon...not much separated Hagler and Valdez. Hagler was a better boxer but Valdez hit harder.

 

You're a very good poster Richard M Murrieta...I have always said that Monzon beats Hagler, and just the way you put it... but I am undecided on the matter of Hagler and the perpetually underrated Rodrigo Valdez. The best way to sum it all up has already been done by @robert ungurean ...in his post just above this one...can't say it any better.

 

Hagler, forever intimidated by boxing greats in his prime, in 77 was not ready for Monzon. Carlos stops Hagler in 12.
PS Valdez in 77 June stops Hagler also.

 

Monzon's opponent saw the final bell 40 times in 99 of his fights. Valdez didn't knock out his opponent in 30 of his fights. Hagler was never knocked out and was only once "knocked down."
The chances of either of them knocking him down are minimal, and knocking him out close to zero IMO.

Ps: Thomas Hearns is a bonafide boxing great.

 

Alan Minter was offered as a possible Carlos Monzon title defense for Jan 1977, then Hagler was mentioned for the spring 1977, in Monte Carlo, Monaco. John Conteh was a possibility, if he defeated Miguel Angel Cuello on May 21 1977, in Monaco. John refused to fight Cuello and was stripped of his WBC World Light Heavyweight Title. Monzon defeated Rodrigo Valdes, by unanimous 15 round decision, in Monte Carlo, on July 30 1977, to retain his title, then retired.

 

alan Minter, even on his best day,...and I liked Minter....would have been no match for Monzon.

 

Carlos would win a UD. Marvin not quite ready and you could get into his head.