Marvin Hagler vs Rodrigo Valdez (both in primes) Valdez had a version of the MW title, and their careers came close to crossing anyway. Valdez, in his prime, hit as hard as Hearns, but wasn't as tall. Plus Valdez will have Gil Clancy in his corner. Who wins?
Hagler was roughed up by Antuofermo and Roldan. Valdez was as rough as they came and one punched ko Briscoe and one of two men to floor Monzon and rated by Ring Magazine as 29 th greatest puncher. Valdez suffered from De Jesus syndrome. Hagler one of my fav fighters but Valdez at his best too rough for Hagler . Valdez on pts.
I think Valdez would have a legit chance against any 160 lber that comes forward aggressively, because anyone who could light up Bennie Briscoe, could do it to anyone!...but Hagler was a complete fighter who could change gears as needed, he had the ability to box if he needed, and he would need to here. His track record showed he probably would..I'll take Hagler by clear decision. Valdez was great/near great. Hagler ATG. IMO.
Hagler would box his ears off for mine. He would move a lot more than Monzon, pumping the jab. moving in and out. Even if Rodrigo tagged him he had the chin to get past it. Against the grain of the forum i find Rodrigo somewhat one dimensional and peak Hagler thrives on that. I think Rodrigo is a LOT more suited to come forward fighters and not movers as already hinted. Haglers jab and movement would dominate the fight.
This was done sometime last yr and if i remember right alot of people gave Valdez no chance which is total BS. Valdez is so underrated its not even funny while theres times Hagler can be borderline overrated. Now befor anyone gets upset read what i said. At times he can be borderline overrated. Not taking anything away from the man. Getting back to the fight like other posters said Valdez can be a very big problem for just about anyone at 160. Great power awsome skill set good preasure or he can back off and catch you pressing forward. This is as close to a 50/50 fight as you can get for me. I can c either guy taking a decision on any given night. Great match up.
Hagler would beat Valdez, but Rodrigo would have his moments against Marvin, especially if Marvin is in Psychological Duran/Leonard mode.
I think it would be a helluva fight , I just can't see Marvin losing this one, Hagler by a decision ,couple of points
I think this is a tough fight. Valdez would have Hagler's respect, in terms of power, although this would be mutual. Both are pretty rugged too. Hagler's chin is legendary and Valdez was only stopped once, very early in his career by TKO (on a bit of a dodgy stoppage I have read). So, prime-for-prime, the best of each fighter, this really comes down to who delivers the most, while avoiding the most shots - and, Hagler has to be favored here. He just has the more complete armory and defense rolled into one; a higher workrate and greater scope for carrying his momentum. So Hagler wins by decision, in what is a fairly even bout up until mid-way; by which time Hagler moves up through the gears to take the lead and keep it, down the stretch.
