10 Weird Things About Leonard-Hagler

(as detailed in “Sorcery at Caesars”) 1. The boss of the Caesars Sports Book dreamed the night before the fight that Leonard would win a decision. He adjusted the odds to increase betting on Hagler, and helped Caesars win a bundle. 2. The Mexican judge, Jo Jo Guerra, had sparred in his youth with Sugar Ray Robinson – his “idol”. Guerra gave the new Sugar Ray a 10-2 margin of victory. 3. The Nevada judge, Dave Moretti, was developing a business partnership with Billy Baxter, a gambler who wagered at least $30,000 on Leonard. Moretti scored it 7-5 for Leonard, and was cleared by an investigation after the bout. 4. The California judge, Lou Filippo, was the referee in the “Rocky” film. He had Hagler winning 7-5. 5. Hagler gave in to the 12-round distance because Leonard argued that 15 rounds was advocated by the racist South African Boxing Association. 6. Hagler quit the promotional tour before it was finished because Leonard was too nice in their press conferences. 7. As a favor, Hagler appeared at the opening of Leonard’s restaurant in January 1986. They dined together, drank champagne, and Hagler confided that he was tired of boxing. Four months later Leonard blind-sided Hagler and challenged him. 8. They both fought for their first championship on the same card in November 1979. Leonard was the headliner and made $1 million. Hagler was in a preliminary and made $40,000. 9. Leonard’s cocaine problem and Hagler’s alleged cocaine problem were hidden from the public. 10. Referee Richard Steele did not penalize Leonard, despite repeated holding, because Hagler never complained to him.