Was Hagler s loss To Leonard More About Marvin Declining,Or Ray's Tactics?

Excellent post.

I believe that Ray did say that Duran’s relative successes against Marv in ‘83 gave or strengthened Leonard’s belief that he could take Hags - though of course Ray didn’t actually fight Marv until some 4 years later.

It has probably (very more than likely) already been done as a fantasy match in some way - but still interesting to ponder ‘83 Duran version of Hagler vs either the Leonard he did fight in ‘87 or the ‘82 version we last knew of before retirement but obviously bulked up to MW.

 

I remember from the commentary that Gil Clancy kept questioning why Hagler wasn’t letting his hands go when he had Leonard against the ropes and saying ‘Marvin’s so slow getting [his punches] off!’

 

Re the number of rounds ‘concession’, the fight was only for the WBC title as the WBA and IBF wouldn’t sanction it. The WBC had switched to 12 round title fights in 1983 following the Mancini-Kim fight and when Hagler fought Hearns with all the straps on the line in 1985, that fight was also scheduled for 12 rounds, largely due to the WBC’s requirement I believe. So I don’t think there was any concession on Hagler’s part or influence from Leonard in winning a concession as others have already pointed out.

 

Neither Leonard or Hagler faced the best version of the other. This isn't Mayweather-Pacquiao where both boxers were clearly past their best, but both Hagler and Leonard were moderately past their best.

 

I recall thinking that myself also. Hagler reached the point of looking so very slow and mechanical during the fight whilst also appearing as if he was giving it all he had just to throw those punches.