Tony Ayala vs Hagler

I don't think many guys would have stopped Duran except Hearns. His leverage and speed were too much for Duran. A guy more Duran's height and reach and speed Duran could work his inside magic and measure him and control with experience. Hearns was just too fast. There was too much working against Duran against Hearns. If Hearns power and speed didn't beat Duran, his boxing ability and jab would.

 

Yes, Ayala and Leonard are different styles but that's not relevant. Hagler at this point didn't have the stamina to crowd Leonard and impose his will like he did pre-Hearns. Ray could do what he did best because Hagler could no longer do what he did best.

Tony will indeed fight Marvin's fight. Only this time Hagler comes up on the short end, because he's simply too old and tired . All the MW wars of the past decade have taken their toll, emotionally and physically. Against a powerful, relentless juggernaut like Tony Ayala, you need all the energy you can get and then some.

 

Marvin was a tough strong stubborn guy who loved to brawl, and he was top notch. Tony never fought this level. As much as it seems like Tony would just land and stop Marvin, I do not see it at all. Marvin was old and he was tired, but he still had a little left and he would not have to follow Tony to hit him. I just do not see Tony winning this.

 

Styles make fights, plain and simple. Even though i'm among the number of fans that felt that Hagler won, I must say that leonards style would always be the one that would most trouble hagler.

Hagler has always been bothered by fleet-footed guys with fast hands. Every fighter faces someone with a style that they're uncomfortable with.

I always felt that hagler never should have took that fight, seeing how ray waited for him to get older. Nonetheless i still though he won the fight with his more effective punches as opposed to leonards powder puff punches.

Hagler had to chase leonard but he wouldn't have to chase ayala. Ayala would be right in front of hagler, who would have very little problem taking him apart.

 

Ayala never really proved anything...the films show he did have skill and power, alot of anger...I think he could really fight though. butthat being said Hagler even the '87 version that lostto Leonard would beat him. Hagler's experience, right jab, and toughness see him through for either a late stoppage or decision win. When in doubt, pick the great fighter...

 

Add Ayala to the group that included Hearns, Hagler, Duran, Leonard, Benetiz....classic and epic matchups.

 

Ayala was never in that group. You have to earn to be in a group like that. Ayala had potential, but he never even made it to the Davey Moore,Buster Drayton,Matthew Hilton group. How would he make it to the legend list? Ayala was an exciting fighter who was strong and had good power, but his head movement was not there and do you really think those greats would let a guy beat them who had no head movement? I still would have had to see how Ayala would do against Davey Moore. Even a guy like Mark Medal might have beaten Tony. We just do not know, but to say he would just get in the ring with Thomas Hearns or Marvin Hagler and beat them is just make believe at this point.

 

All the hype about Ayala reminds me of the hype surrounding Jeff Lacy just before Calzaghe took him to school.

 

I wouldn't expect Ayala to do any better than Wilford Scypion or Tony Sibson, but maybe slightly better than Caveman Lee.

 

seems right:good:goodhagler would run all over him

 

He was a super amateur and undefeated as a pro....The point is that Ayala was headed in the direction of stardom......he derailed his career at an early age and before he had a chance to attain elite heights.

 

...why is this obvious mis-match still being discussed?

 

It's all ifs buts and maybes with Ayala. Never did anything to warrant considering him beating Hagler, even post Leonard.

 

The Hagler of 87 v the Ayala of 82, Hagler too good all round. Tony didn't have the one punch power Mugabi had but is able to do very well at times. But in the end MMH was still too good. I was an Ayala fan, his career is defenitely one that we were robbed of. Hagler points.

Had El Torito not gone inside, and had developed like his potential allowed he would beat MMH. But still a tough fight. In saying that though, Tony's career continued, Ayala-Hagler may have happened in 85 or 86 when Marvin still had a bit more left. The Hagler of the Mugabi fight I'd go with Ayala.

 

Totally agree. Hagler's decline really hastened post-Hearns. Mugabi gave him a good fight but just ultimately wasn't quite good enough. Tony was way more talented and powerful. I also agree 1986-87 Hagler still gives a good fight, but ultimately doesn't have the stamina to contain a peaking Ayala.