:goodi always thought hagler-hearns was SLIGHTLY overrated (not a popular opinion i know). I totally agree that it was a tactical war and those first rounds were filled with masterful feints and timing
Question: if this was 12 rounds, and the fighters fought the exact same fight, it would have been a duran win. would that be considered a robbery?
Hagler-Hearns was great but it was too short for me to hold it highly. I'd rather see a tactical war that goes the distance than an early ko anyday. I liked when Duran stuck his chin out and posed for a minute after a round lol.
don't you think each fighter would have used their energy more and fight harder under those circumstances
oh absolutely, it would be a completely different fight. but if that fight was identical to the first 12, would it be a robbery? were the two judges that had it for duran WAY off?
Well, the fact is Hagler later didn't when he took on SRL over 12, so I think this is a valid question with respect to him. One thing Marv did very well with Duran was be the bigger man, stand his ground, and make El Cholo concede territory. What wasn't so predictable was how well Roberto adapted to the reality of Hagler's greater size and physical strength. Duran said after their bout that "All his power is concentrated in the right. His left is dead." It may well be that nothing Marv did would have been sufficient to take Roberto out. As lethal as he could be, SRL never managed to hurt Duran either, and the Panamanian later stood up to the same bombs from Barkley which previously laid Hearns out. (It's details like this which lead me to suspect that Tommy caught lightning in a bottle with a partying Duran, overconfident from the Hagler showing.)
Never have I seen Hagler so hesitant than I saw him with Duran. It's like Duran had a spell cast over him, forcing him to put up his guard more often than he normally did, especially at the end of various rounds. Duran was brilliant, coming up from 135 to give an ATG middleweight his hardest fight.
Hagler said he was tame because Duran was nailing him everytime he throw a right. he couldn't figure Duran out. That fight is why I would never put Hagler near Duran or Leonard on the all time greatest lists. Its also why when Hagler vs Leonard 1984 threads come up I would pick Leonard. faceit , Hagler is overrated on this board.
I think Hagler also fought more cautious because, as he said between rounds, "he's trying to get his thumb in there".
I agree with this! I've got no problems with Hagler getting the decision but I think that Duran considering he was a former lightweight and past his best proved himself the cleverer fighter. Strength was the difference, all being equal I think Duran would of won.
Duran was even more timid than Hagler was.Hagler wasn't eager to put together any sustained attack,but he was doing a hell of alot more to win the rounds than Duran was. The fight was the way it was,not because Hagler showed Duran too much respect,but because Hagler was in there with an opponent that wasn't showing him the openings that the limited brawlers Hagler had beaten up during his title reign had shown him.Hagler performing the way that he did against Geraldo,Leonard and Duran was no coincidence. I'm sure Thomas Hearns's tremendous hand speed,punching power and ability to use his height and reach to his greatest advantage had absolutely nothing to do with Duran headbutting the canvas. Because,as we all know,Roberto Duran only loses when he's too busy partying and stuffing his face.:roll:
I feel Duran's ***** is more golden brown in colour and smooth in texture, and would much prefer it in my mouth than any other boxer's. I'm with you all on this one.