1977 He could have possibly fought Monzon, but I think with Hagler's style he had to lose to Vito and then get mad to sharpen his skills. He got better as champion.
Got a feeling Monzon would not have fought Hagler in the USA. It would be Paris / Monte Carlo type event, or worse case, a "final Monzon title fight" down in Argentina. Pretty easy to see how the decision would go against a "Big Stage" green Hagler.
Hagler could have easily had a title shot mid to late 77, easily. Early 78 he was considered the best of the rest. There was no way Valdes was going to pick him out in his first defense which is fair enough so he had to wait a bit then as Valdes was beaten by Corro etc.
You are right, Marvin was Ring Mag's #1 Contender at the end of 1977, 1978, and 1979...with a "draw" with Vito in Nov. 1979.....and winning the MW title from Minter in Sept 1980.
I guess he could have been considered as early as September 76 after he beat Cyclone or early to mid 77 when he beat Monroe in fights 2 and 3. Or at least in 78 when he beat Finnegan x’s 2 and Briscoe...long before the end of 79
As soon as Monzon offered one. Its a pity they never meet. A 1977 or 1978 fight between Monzon and Hagler have been fantastic. Monzon would have been slightly past his prime, Hagler slightly pre prime. I'd pick Hagler.
