Basically the question is in the title.

I've seen Hagler/Leonard a couple of times, but I haven't yet had the chance to see Hagler/Duran. Obviously, there is at least a bit of controversy surrounding the Hagler/SRL bout, and I seem to recall reading somewhere that Duran was actually leading his bout, forcing Hagler to rally late for a win.

Now, obviously SRL officially defeated Hagler, but I'm more curious about who you think had a better showing against him.

So, what do you think? (Additional tacked-on question: Is the Hagler/Duran fight worth watching? I know some "superfights" are perhaps less spectacular than would be expected.)

Duran leading was kinda BS. Both fights were very good, but Duran may have been more impressive due to the size disparity.

Well, Leonard won so I think that's your answer there. That being said, the Hagler - Duran fight was a better fight. Hagler hadn't slipped anywhere near as much as he had for the Leonard fight and Duran still had something left in his tank (see Iran Barkley). That made for a compelling performance. If you have the chance, download the Hagler - Duran fight: It's a very good fight and you'll enjoy it. If you haven't seen Leonard - Hagler you aren't missing anything. Duran's performance was better than Leonard's but Hagler's performance was better too. Performing better and doing better are two different things.

Poet

Hagler-Duran is definatly worth watching. Its a good fight, not great. I always have trouble scoring it.

Its difficult to say who performed better against Hagler. Leonard hadnt fought for so long that his performance was remarkable. Duran showed just how good he was by standing right in front of Hagler, a destructive middleweight, and not getting beat up.

Hagler-Duran is definatly worth watching. Its a good fight, not great. I always have trouble scoring it.

Its difficult to say who performed better against Hagler. Leonard hadnt fought for so long that his performance was remarkable. Duran showed just how good he was by standing right in front of Hagler, a destructive middleweight, and not getting beat up.

In fairness to Hagler he was past it at the time of the Leonard fight; Leonard was too: It was pretty clear this was NOT Leonard circa 1981. The old Leonard wouldn't have been content just to land pitty-pat punches all fight long. Hagler of old wouldn't have been that inept on offense: You have to score punches to win rounds and Hagler did precious little of that despite what his bitter nuthuggers say.

Poet